Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said that greater importance must be given to the use of surface water by reducing dependence on groundwater to protect safe water sources.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar organised at the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) auditorium in the capital's Kakrail, marking World Water Day-2026.

The minister said that climate change, population growth, and unplanned urbanization have become major challenges. He noted that, especially in the capital Dhaka, excessive reliance on groundwater has put the entire water system at risk.

To tackle the situation, the minister emphasized the preservation of rivers and reservoirs and the use of modern water treatment technologies.

Referring to social and economic inequalities in accessing safe water, Fakhrul said that the urban poor and slum dwellers suffer the most from the safe water crisis.

He called upon government and private organisations to work in a coordinated manner to eliminate this disparity.

Presiding over the seminar, Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hasan said that work is underway to ensure a safe water supply across the country through various government development projects. He stressed the need to increase the capacity of local government institutions and ensure long-term planning for sustainable water management.

Among others, Chief Engineer of DPHE Md. Abdul Awal, UNICEF Representative Stanley Gwavuya, and World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Dr. Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed also spoke at the seminar.

Other speakers highlighted the importance of preventing water pollution and increasing public awareness, along with technology-based solutions, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Senior officials of the Local Government Division and related departments were present at the event.