At a high-level meeting on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Bangladesh presented its future plans and historic initiatives to address climate change and ensure water security. Professor Dr. S. M. Abdul Awal, the Prime Minister’s Chief Coordinator on SDG Affairs, represented Bangladesh and highlighted the country’s long-standing efforts in tackling climate challenges.

He recalled the 19-point program announced by former President Ziaur Rahman in 1977, emphasizing its focus on basic needs and rural water security through a nationwide canal excavation initiative. The BNP-led government’s current five-year plan includes excavating 20,000 kilometers of canals to strengthen irrigation and water management networks. Awal also underscored the importance of the Teesta Barrage Project as a people-centered initiative vital for water management and agricultural development in northern Bangladesh.

Concluding his remarks, Awal urged the global community to enhance cooperation on transboundary water-sharing policies to permanently resolve water scarcity in northern Bangladesh.