Dhaka: Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee emphasized the importance of erosion-resistant coastal infrastructure for Bangladesh’s long-term security and economic development during a seminar held in the capital. The minister highlighted that building sustainable and safe coastal infrastructure is crucial to protect coastal areas from climate-induced risks, advocating for the use of advanced construction materials, eco-friendly engineering, and climate-resilient designs.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the seminar titled ‘Corrosion-Resistant Coastal Infrastructure in Bangladesh’ coincided with the ‘Unveiling of Project Management Training Manual (2nd Edition) and Certificate Awarding’ ceremony at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium. Minister Anee addressed the environmental challenges arising from high population density in coastal regions, such as shrinking agricultural land, increasing numbers of fishermen, overexploitation of coastal resources, water pollution, and the destruction of mangrove forests.
He warned that rising sea levels are exacerbating coastal erosion and leading to saline water intrusion into farmland, resulting in crop damage, marine ecosystem pollution, and disruption of the sea’s ecological balance. The minister called for the maximum use of technology to combat coastal erosion and announced the government’s plans to revive its canal excavation programme under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Over the next five years, the government plans to dig or re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals, ponds, and reservoirs, in addition to planting 250 million trees to create a green buffer zone across coastal areas. Minister Anee also stressed the urgent need for a Coastal Zone Management Rules framework and a Special Management Plan to protect the environment of coastal regions.
He further called for laws to safeguard agricultural land in these areas, modernization of waste management systems, and proper regulation of groundwater use. The minister emphasized the need for a coordinated integrated plan that ensures the development of both the people living in coastal areas and the natural environment. The seminar was organized to mark IEB’s 78th founding anniversary and was chaired by Engineer Muhammad Shafiqul Islam Khokon, Chairman of IEB’s Civil Engineering Division.