The Department of Civil Engineering at United International University (UIU) organized a National Seminar on “Water Rights in Bangladesh” on 25 April 2026 (Saturday) at 10:00 AM at the UIU campus.
Mr. Forhad Hossain Azad, MP, State Minister, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was present as the Chief Guest. Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Economist and Social Thinker, Chairperson of the Governing Body, BRAC and Founder & Executive Chairman, PPRC was present as a Guest of Honor. Mr. Mohammad Saiful Islam Majumder, Joint Secretary, Policy Support Branch, LGD, LGRDC was present as the Special Guest. The Vice Chancellor of UIU Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kashem Mia presided over the Ceremony. The two keynote papers were presented by Prof. Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman, Director, CSIRS, UIU and Prof. Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz, Director, ITN-BUET in the seminar.
The Chief Guest of the event, Mr. Farhad Hossain Azad, MP, emphasized in his speech the importance of ensuring equitable and sustainable water distribution across the country. He highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen water resource management, address climate-related challenges, and protect the rights of vulnerable populations. He also called for strong collaboration between government institutions, academia, and civil society to ensure that water security is linked to national development and to support evidence-based policy.
The Special Guest, Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, underscored in his remarks the need to view water rights not only as a resource issue, but also as a matter of social justice and governance. He also highlighted the growing importance of research and evidence-based, data-driven insights in shaping effective water policies in Bangladesh.
In this seminar, speakers highlighted the need for a rights-based approach to water management in Bangladesh, in line with the theme of World Water Day 2026, “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows”.
The Vice Chancellor of UIU, Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kashem Mia, said the role of universities in advancing research, innovation, and policy dialogue on national issues such as water rights is critical. He also noted that the seminar will help develop sustainable solutions for water management in Bangladesh.
The faculty members, students, officials, academicians, government high officials, water experts, journalists and other distinguished guests were present in the program.