Bangladesh is looking to the Netherlands for expertise in water management to enhance its long-term flood management strategy. This initiative was highlighted at a recent seminar organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands, where Dutch Ambassador and water management experts discussed flood control, drainage, and water conservation with Bangladeshi stakeholders. State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad emphasized the value of Dutch experience for a riverine country like Bangladesh. 'The Netherlands has developed one of the world's most successful water management systems. Their experience is highly valuable for a riverine country like Bangladesh,' Azad told BSS in an exclusive interview. 'We are working to incorporate that expertise into our long-term plans to build a more effective and resilient flood management system,' he added.
Azad noted that the government is increasingly focusing on sustainable water management and climate resilience to reduce flood risks and improve water resource management nationwide. In response to the recent floods in Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, the government has stockpiled approximately 13 lakh geo-bags for repairing flood-damaged embankments. More than 700,000 geo-bags have already been supplied for rapid repairs and riverbank erosion prevention, with an additional 650,000 geo-bags and 65,000 synthetic geo-bags kept in reserve.
The State Minister mentioned that a complete assessment of flood damage is pending, but data collection in affected districts is nearly complete. Comprehensive reports from district administrations and field officials are expected soon. 'We are closely monitoring the situation in the Chattogram Division and the Sylhet region. At the same time, we are concerned about the situation in Feni, where water levels are rising. Therefore, advance preparations have been taken to deal with any possible scenario,' Azad said.
All leave for officials and employees of the Ministry of Water Resources has been canceled. Officials and engineers from the Bangladesh Water Development Board are stationed in the field, responding immediately to reports of waterlogging or embankment damage and taking necessary measures. 'Our goal is to restore damaged sluice gates as quickly as possible and resolve drainage problems wherever they occur. We hope to complete most of the emergency work within the next week,' Azad concluded.
