NGO Forum for Public Health, Bangladesh Water Integrity Network (BAWIN), Water Integrity Network (WIN) and the Daily Bhorer Kagoj jointly organized a national Seminar on ‘Good Groundwater Management: justice in achieving SDG’ today, March 20, at the CIRDAP International Conference Center. The seminar is a resonance of the upcoming World Water Day 2022 theme “Groundwater: making the invisible visible”. The Honorable Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mr. Md. Tazul Islam, MP, was present as the Chief Guest of the seminar. Dr. Anwar Zahid, Director, Ground Water Hydrology, Bangladesh Water Development Board was present as the Key-note speaker. Mr. Shyamal Dutta, Editor, the Daily Bhorer Kagoj moderated the seminar where Mr. S.M.A. Rashid, Executive Director, NGO Forum for Public Health delivered the introductory speech. The chief Engineer of DPHE, the Chair of Bangladesh Water Integrity Network (BAWIN) was also present at the seminar.

Mr. SM.A. Rashid in his welcome speech emphasized on water governance, transparency, accountability and participation in achieving the SDG Goal-6. He also mentioned about the planned and right use of ground water as well as surface water which is very crucial for human survival. In the keynote presentation, Mr. Anwar Zahid, focused on how the Life and Livelihood are dependent on the Withdrawal of Groundwater in Bangladesh where we need wiser and scientific development and management. Mr. Zahid also emphasized on proper management of allocated resource considering the transparency, participation, accountability and actions to reduce opportunities for corruption. The other discussants pointed out on the right data, statistics and relevant research on the ground water thus helps to take appropriate measures.

The chief guest emphasized on the holistic use of ground water along with surface water considering the domestic needs, uses in industrial and agricultural sectors as well. The responsible minister for this sector also pointed out the recycling of water and introducing tariff systems considering the income level of the citizens. The BAWIN Chair, Mr. Shaidul conveyed his gratitude to the honorable minister, all the participants and the organizers for this timely event and emphasized on the actions in ensuring managing while managing the ground water.