Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized the need to reduce reliance on groundwater and increase the use of surface water to ensure safe drinking water for all.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar held at the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) auditorium in Kakrail, Dhaka, marking World Water Day.
Mirza Fakhrul said ensuring safe drinking water has become a major challenge due to the combined impacts of climate change, rapid population growth, and unplanned urbanization. He warned that excessive dependence on groundwater in Dhaka city is putting the urban water system under serious strain.
He underscored the importance of expanding the use of surface water, protecting rivers and other water bodies, and adopting modern water treatment technologies to address the growing water crisis.
The BNP leader also pointed out that significant social and economic inequalities persist in access to safe drinking water, with low-income urban residents and slum dwellers facing the greatest difficulties. He called for stronger coordination between government and non-government organizations to reduce this disparity.
Speakers at the event highlighted the need to prevent water pollution, raise public awareness about safe water management, and adopt technology-driven solutions.
They also stressed that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would not be possible without proper planning and effective implementation in the water sector.
