Bangladesh Seeks 50-Year Water Management Plan from China

Bangladesh has sought a comprehensive 50-year masterplan from China to tackle its complex water management challenges. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus made the appeal during a meeting with Chinese Water Resources Minister Li Guoying at a state guest house in Beijing on 28 March 2025, as part of his four-day visit to China.

During the meeting, Yunus praised China's success in water and flood management, describing it as a remarkable achievement. "We face similar challenges. It would greatly help us if you share your experiences," he said, according to a statement posted on his official Facebook handle.

Highlighting Bangladesh's vulnerability as a delta nation interlaced with hundreds of rivers, Yunus stressed the critical need for sustainable water management. "Water is our lifeline, but it can also turn into a destructive force. With our growing population, we must mitigate the ecological damage it causes," he added.

Describing China as a global leader in water management, Yunus urged the Chinese government to share President Xi Jinping's vision and expertise. "We are here to learn how to make water resources more beneficial for our people," he said.

Yunus further pointed out that rapid population growth and development pressures have led to rampant land grabbing along riverbanks. He highlighted siltation and upper riparian activities in India as contributing factors to river shrinkage and eventual death.

Chinese Minister Li Guoying acknowledged that both countries share similar water management challenges. He assured Bangladesh of China's technical support and expertise. "Water management is a significant challenge for Bangladesh, and we face similar issues. Eighty-five percent of Bangladesh's population lives in flood-prone plains, which makes the situation even more complex," he said.

Li noted that China is implementing a masterplan introduced by President Xi Jinping to overcome its water management challenges. He expressed willingness to help Bangladesh design a similar framework.

Yunus reiterated Bangladesh's need for a system-wide approach rather than focusing on individual rivers. He mentioned the Teesta River system and the polluted rivers surrounding Dhaka as priority areas requiring immediate attention.

The chief adviser is also holding meetings with Chinese leaders and investors to bolster bilateral cooperation during his visit.