Dhaka: Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning, Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, emphasized today that while the challenges of transboundary water sharing are technical in nature, their resolution must be politically driven and aligned with Bangladesh's national interests. He made these remarks as the chief guest at a national seminar titled "Transboundary Water Sharing Issues and Padma Barrage" held at North South University (NSU).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seminar was organized by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) of NSU. A diverse group of policymakers, water experts, engineers, diplomats, academics, and civil society representatives attended the event. The discussions centered on Bangladesh's water security, including the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, the Teesta issue, and the proposed Padma Barrage.
Prof Dr Titumir highlighted the necessity for long-term planning, political commitment, and scientific management to tackle the challenges posed by water abundance during monsoons and scarcity in dry seasons. He underscored the ecological importance of rivers, stating that they should be understood beyond mere numbers, focusing instead on their ecosystems and broader impacts.
The proposed Padma Barrage, according to Prof Dr Titumir, should not be viewed merely as an engineering project but as a critical element affecting agriculture, livelihoods, and future development in western and southwestern Bangladesh. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Affairs, Dr Md Saimum Parvez, who attended as a special guest, highlighted the government's environmental initiatives, emphasizing efficient water use and regional power trade as solutions to mitigate transboundary water conflicts.
Former Member of the Joint Rivers Commission, Dr Mohammad Abul Hossen, presented a keynote paper addressing river-basin management and possible avenues for reducing water disputes. Ambassador Mohammad Sufiur Rahman stressed the importance of fair and cooperative water-sharing arrangements with Indian stakeholders. He advocated treating water as a shared resource rather than a commercial commodity.
The seminar included discussions from various experts who called for a comprehensive national framework integrating engineering expertise, environmental protection, legal preparedness, basin-level planning, and water diplomacy. Professor Shafik Islam from Tufts University described the issue as "engineering diplomacy," emphasizing the need for understanding underlying patterns and structures.
NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury chaired the session, stressing the importance of scientific and engineering solutions in managing Bangladesh's water resources for national benefit and sustainable living. Professor Md Sirajul Islam of CEE, NSU, urged for careful consideration of seasonal river changes and expert opinions in water-resource planning.
In closing, SIPG Director Professor Sk. Tawfique M. Haque urged policymakers to prepare for multiple negotiation scenarios and called for greater regional dialogue, technically sound river management, and coordinated policy action to safeguard Bangladesh's water security and sustainable development.