The Department of Civil Engineering at United International University organised a national seminar on “Water Rights in Bangladesh” at the university campus today.

State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad attended the programme as the chief guest, while economist and social thinker Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, chairperson of the BRAC governing body and founder and executive chairman of the Power and Participation Research Centre, attended as guest of honour.

Mohammad Saiful Islam Majumder, joint secretary of the Policy Support Branch at the Local Government Division, attended as special guest.

UIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abul Kashem Mia presided over the ceremony.

Two keynote papers were presented at the seminar by Professor Dr Md Mujibur Rahman, director of the Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Resilience Studies at UIU, and Professor Dr Rowshan Mamtaz, director of ITN-BUET.

Speaking at the event, Forhad Hossain Azad stressed 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 communities.

The state minister also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, academia and civil society to ensure that water security remains linked to national development and evidence-based policymaking.

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said water rights should not be viewed only as a resource issue, but also as a matter of social justice and governance.

He also stressed the importance of research, evidence-based analysis and data-driven insights in shaping effective water policies in Bangladesh.

Speakers at the seminar 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”.

Professor Dr Md Abul Kashem Mia said universities play a critical role in advancing research, innovation and policy dialogue on national issues such as water rights.

He said the seminar would help develop sustainable solutions for water management in Bangladesh.

Faculty members, students, officials, academics, senior government officials, water experts, journalists and other guests attended the programme.