Dhaka: The World Water Day was observed in Bangladesh, as elsewhere across the globe, on Wednesday with a call for bringing an end to river encroachment and water pollution to ensure the country’s sustainable development.

The theme of the day was 'Water and Wastewater'.

The Ministry of Water Resources organised a conference at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital, marking the World Water Day.

Chaired by Water Resources Senior Secretary Dr Zafar Ahmed Khan, the conference was addressed, among others, by Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud, State Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Nazrul Islam and Chief Coordinator for SDG Affairs at Prime Minister’s Office Abul Kalam Azad.

Earlier in the day, officials of the ministry and its associate organisations brought a procession in the city, aiming to sensitise people to raise their voice against river encroachment and water pollution.

Besides, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) formed a human chain in front of the Jaitya Press Club demanding public participation and ensuring accountability in water and waste management to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

WaterAid Bangladesh, in association with HSBC Bangladesh and Sajida Foundation, arranged a programme at T&T Adarsha Girls' High School, Wireless Gate, Mohakhali on the occasion.

The World Water Day on March 22 every year is about taking action to tackle the water crisis. Today, 1.8 billion people globally use a source of drinking water contaminated with faeces, putting them at risk of contacting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio.

The SDGs, launched in 2015, include a target to ensure everyone has access to safe water by 2030, making water a key issue in the fight to eradicate extreme poverty.

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated March 22 as World Water Day. World Water Day is coordinated by UN-Water in collaboration with governments and partners.