Dhaka:Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee addressed the issue of water scarcity in Dhaka, attributing it to industrial waste and pollution, despite Bangladesh's abundant water resources.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Anee emphasized during the 'World Rivers Day 2026' celebration and the Mark Angelo River Award Giving ceremony at 'Pani Bhaban' that waste from 11 industrial zones surrounding Dhaka poses significant challenges to both the environment and water supply.
He noted that the shortage of safe drinking water is becoming more severe nationwide due to the depletion of groundwater. Anee warned that the crisis would not be solved merely by installing deep tube wells, suggesting that a conflict over safe drinking water could arise similarly to existing disputes over oil.
During his visits to his constituency in Lakshmipur, Anee frequently receives requests for deep tube well installations. However, he questioned the feasibility of meeting the population's demand with just 300 to 500 wells annually in a constituency of four to 4.5 lakh people.
Anee also raised concerns about water contamination, which in some cases renders it unusable for even basic hygiene purposes. He questioned the safety of fish from farms due to the presence of toxic metals detected in water, as reported by various expert studies.
He called for a heightened social campaign to protect the environment, focusing on water conservation, and emphasized that government efforts alone are insufficient. Anee urged the public to support canal excavation initiatives, transforming them into a social movement.
Finally, the minister highlighted the necessity of advocating for Bangladesh's environmental rights and demands internationally, particularly in addressing climate change challenges.