Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, editor of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN), has called for the establishment of a dedicated ministry for the Haor region to ensure sustainable development and good governance. Speaking as the chief guest at a press conference organized by SUJAN’s Sunamganj district committee at Dhaka Reporters Unity, he said the nation’s interests are tied to the development of the Haor areas and that governance problems, corruption, and lack of coordination must be addressed.

Presenting the keynote paper, SUJAN Sunamganj general secretary Fazlul Karim Saeed said multiple ministries currently handle Haor-related issues, leading to duplication, weak accountability, and poor coordination. He argued that a separate Haor ministry could ensure integrated planning, research, budgeting, and project implementation. The paper also highlighted environmental degradation, poor water management, and biodiversity loss as major threats to the region.

Speakers emphasized that protecting the Haor ecosystem is essential for Bangladesh’s food security, environment, and economy, as the area supports boro rice cultivation, native fish breeding, and migratory bird habitats.