Khulna: The three-day 3rd Coastal Water Conference 2026 concluded today at the CSS Ava Centre in Khulna, bringing together experts and stakeholders for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and policy discussions focused on Bangladesh’s coastal and water-related challenges.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the final day featured five thematic sessions, culminating in a plenary session that consolidated key outcomes and outlined a forward-looking action agenda. Shamim Arfin, member secretary of the conference committee and Executive Director of AWOSED, presented the 12-point draft Khulna Declaration. This declaration emphasizes water justice, climate resilience, ecosystem protection, and inclusive governance in coastal areas.
The closing plenary, moderated by Professor Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam of Dhaka University, included summaries from speakers such as Abuhena Mostafa Jamal, Mohammad Jobayer Hasan, Md Zahidur Rahman, and Dr. Tushar Kanti Roy. These presentations highlighted research findings, community experiences, policy gaps, and practical solutions discussed during the sessions.
Additional observations on the draft Khulna Declaration were provided by Mohan Kumar Mondal, Tamanna Rahman, Roufa Khanam, Mohammad Jobayer Hasan, and Sakib Haque. They stressed the importance of transforming the declaration into actionable commitments and strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration while centring community voices in policymaking.
Rafiqul Islam Khokon, Co-chair of the conference and Executive Director of Rupantar, delivered solidarity remarks and a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all involved for their engagement and commitment to advancing advocacy on coastal water issues.
The closing address by Md Khairul Islam, Regional Director for South Asia of WaterAid, emphasized the need for sustained advocacy platforms and collective efforts to develop a successful roadmap towards the Bangladesh Water Conference 2028. With the presentation of the Khulna Declaration, the conference reaffirmed collective commitments to addressing coastal water challenges and ensuring resilience, equity, and sustainable development for Bangladesh’s coastal communities.