With the theme “Water and Climate Change”, the World Water Day was observed in the country amid different programmes on Monday as elsewhere in the world.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the day.
The President in his message on the occasion said, “I welcome the initiative of the Ministry of the Water Resources to observe the World Water Day in Bangladesh like other countries of the world. I think the theme of this year's World Water Day, “Valuing Water”, is very timely.
“There is no alternative to ensuring availability of sufficient water in irrigation for agricultural production in Bangladesh,” he said.
Noting that water is intensively connected with the climate, the President underscored the need for protecting ecological balance in using water at different sectors, including households, mills-factories and agriculture.
Abdul Hamid expressed the hope that Bangladesh will be able to combat the adverse effect of climate change through sustainable water management.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message said, “Water and sustainable development are interconnected in riverine Bangladesh”.
River, cannel, haor, baor and other wetland have been playing a vital role in the people’s daily life as an essential element since the time immemorial, she added.
“The Awami League government is working relentlessly to ensure safe water, protect natural environment and reduce water pollution through implementing the Sustainable Development Goal-6,” the premier said, adding that the government is also working to innovate climate change resilient advanced technology and ensure its appropriate use through proper management of the water resources.
“I hope through observing the World Water Day 2020, nature, water and climate related awareness will be created among the people for development of our country,” Sheikh Hasina said.
She urged all to work together to transform the country into “Sonar Bangla” as dreamt by the greatest Bengali of all times and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by 2041 through implementing environment-friendly and sustainable plans.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution by which 22 March of each year was declared World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993, in conformity with the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) contained in Chapter 18 (Fresh Water Resources) of Agenda 21.