Dhaka: Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder has announced that 44 water bodies in Patuakhali district will not be eligible for lease. “Water bodies are an important natural resource for the rural economy, biodiversity, and livelihood of the poor people of Bangladesh,” Majumder stated at the 88th meeting of the ‘Committee on Leasing Government Water Reservoirs for Development Projects,’ chaired by the Ministry’s Senior Secretary ASM Saleh Ahmed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting took place in the ministry’s meeting room, where Majumder emphasized the significance of these water bodies beyond fish production. He highlighted their role in agriculture, food security, employment, and ecological balance for local communities. The water bodies in Patuakhali are characterized by flowing water, sluice gates, and dams, which will be supervised by the District Commissioner (DC) and Upazila Executive Officers (UNOs) to ensure proper control.
Majumder pointed out that since these water bodies are not leased, they are utilized for fishing and irrigation, emphasizing that no muscle power will be tolerated. He asserted that these water bodies are public property and should be managed in the public interest, with a focus on environmental protection and the livelihood of the poor. The state aims to halt the leasing system and promote a humane, fair, and sustainable management approach.
The adviser stated that this management process will be monitored over the next three years to assess its effectiveness. Should there be any disruptions, new decisions will be taken accordingly. Currently, there are 148 water bodies in the district, with 94 in the process of being leased and nine others already under lease. A case was filed involving 44 water bodies deemed ineligible for lease in the public interest.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary (Administration) Md. Raihan Kawsar, Additional Secretary (Development) Md. Emdadul Haque Chowdhury, representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and senior officials from the Ministry of Land. The Deputy Commissioner and Divisional Commissioner of the concerned district participated online.
Following the announcement, a separate meeting was held regarding the ‘Haor and Wetland Conservation Act,’ with Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Primary Mass Education Adviser Prof Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar in attendance.