Protecting People’s Access to Clean Water in Bangladesh

This chapter delves into the critical issue of water resource management in Bangladesh, emphasizing the multifaceted role of water in public health, agriculture, industry, and cultural life. Despite its importance, Bangladesh faces significant challenges in ensuring access to clean and safe water, a key aspect of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). The chapter examines the country’s contemporary legislative framework, including the Bangladesh Water Act 2013 and the National Water Policy 1999, which aim to safeguard water quality and ensure sustainable use. However, rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change exacerbate the pressures on water resources, leading to pollution and suboptimal distribution. These factors are compounded by inadequate investment in water infrastructure and enforcement of regulations. The chapter argues that climate change poses a severe threat to water security and calls for a scientifically grounded national water policy. It advocates for a coherent strategy to ensure the availability of water, crucial for sustaining life, supporting livelihoods, and maintaining food security in Bangladesh.