Climate Change, Adaptation, and Adaptive Governance in Water Sector in South Asia: The Bangladesh Case in the Regional Context

South Asia, home to nearly one-fourth of the global population, relies heavily on its water resources, especially for agriculture. Among these nations, Bangladesh, positioned downstream of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna (GBM) Basins, faces acute challenges intensified by climate change. This chapter explores the impacts of climate variability on the water sector in South Asia, emphasising the GBM basins. It highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Bangladesh, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods, which disrupt water management and agricultural cycles, thereby threatening food security. To address these challenges, Bangladesh must adopt climate-resilient water management strategies, including sustainable conservation practices and efficient irrigation techniques. Enhanced governance structures, improved stakeholder coordination, and resilient infrastructure are crucial. The chapter also underscores the importance of integrating climate change into water resource planning, as recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and advocates for collaborative efforts among government entities, local communities, and international partners. Through case studies, it examines adaptive governance measures and draws conclusions on regional adaptation strategies, highlighting the need for institutional reforms and investments in climate adaptation to safeguard livelihoods and ensure a sustainable water future for Bangladesh.