Published : 29 Mar 2025, 05:58 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 12:47 PM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has sought a 50-year masterplan on water management from China, highlighting its success in controlling floods and maintaining water systems.
The appeal came during a meeting on Friday at a state guesthouse in Beijing, where Yunus sat down with China’s Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the state-run news agency, the two discussed shared challenges in managing rivers, particularly in regions prone to flooding and environmental degradation.
“We have the same problem that you have. So, we'll be happy if you share your experiences,” Yunus said.
“Bangladesh is a delta country; we have a country crisscrossed with hundreds of rivers. Water gives us life, but sometimes it becomes an enemy. Now that the population has increased manifold, we have to remain careful what kind of damage it causes to the ecosystem.”
Lauding China as a “master” in water management, Yunus called for access to Beijing’s strategies and expertise, including insights from President Xi Jinping’s long-term vision on water governance.
“We have come here to learn from you - how we can make water resources useful for the people,” he said.
Encroachment along Bangladesh’s rivers has escalated due to rapid urbanisation and agricultural expansion, Yunus noted.
Li acknowledged that both nations grapple with comparable water management dilemmas and expressed China’s willingness to extend technical support and expertise.
“President Xi has formulated a master plan for China, which the country is using to address water management challenges,” Li said.
The chief advisor is in China on a four-day visit, where he is engaging with Chinese officials and investors to deepen cooperation on infrastructure and environmental initiatives.
