Rajshahi: Researchers and development activists gathered at a dialogue today to emphasize the importance of ensuring water rights for all, particularly marginalized communities, who equally deserve access to water. They highlighted that the challenge of securing safe drinking water and sanitation transcends individual issues, posing a national concern that necessitates justice, transparency, accountability, and good governance across the sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the dialogue titled “Water Disparity and Human Rights: Crisis, Structure and Way Forward” was held at SK Food World in observance of World Human Rights Day 2025. The theme this year, “Water and Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” underscored the critical nature of the discussion. Shahidul Islam, BARCIK Regional Coordinator, presented a keynote paper detailing the ongoing water crisis in the Barind area, stressing the need for effective measures to address the situation.
The dialogue featured contributions from Associate Professor Abhijit Roy of Rajshahi University, River Researcher Mahbub Siddiqui, and other notable speakers including Executive Engineer Zillul Bari, Assistant Engineer Faruque Ahmed, and development activist Afzal Hossain. The speakers highlighted the critical state of water resource management in the Barind region, affected by declining groundwater levels due to climate change and unsustainable irrigation practices.
Discussions at the meeting pointed to the necessity for a comprehensive approach, focusing on conserving surface water, managing supply and demand efficiently, and involving communities to ensure sustainable water resources. Mahbub Siddiqui emphasized the enforcement of water laws and rules for proper resource management. The dialogue also identified over-extraction of groundwater as a key issue, compounded by climate change-induced droughts and erratic rainfall, intensifying water scarcity.
Afzal Hossain addressed the inefficiencies in water management practices, such as outdated irrigation methods leading to wastage, and the conversion of wetlands for agriculture reducing surface water storage capacity. He advocated for a holistic management plan that integrates ecological, social, and economic considerations, alongside better stakeholder coordination.
Youth Leader Atikur Rahman called for community involvement in water management through participatory rural appraisal and other inclusive methods, ensuring that local voices are integral to planning and implementation processes.