Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie has announced that Bangladesh will build durable and climate-resilient coastal infrastructure to ensure long-term national security and economic growth. Speaking on Sunday at a seminar at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka, he emphasized the need for advanced construction materials, eco-friendly engineering, and climate-tolerant designs to safeguard coastal regions from climate-related risks.

The minister highlighted that high population density in coastal areas has led to environmental challenges, including reduced farmland, increased fishing pressure, resource overuse, water pollution, and mangrove destruction. Rising sea levels are causing erosion and saltwater intrusion, damaging crops and marine ecosystems. He urged the use of modern technology to prevent coastal erosion.

Annie added that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the government is reviving the canal excavation program initiated by late President Ziaur Rahman. Over the next five years, 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, ponds, and reservoirs will be excavated or re-excavated, alongside the planting of 250 million trees to create coastal green belts. He also called for new laws and management plans to protect farmland and improve waste management in coastal zones.