Khulna, Jan 25, 2026: A three-day 3rd Coastal Water Convention–2026 began in Khulna on Sunday, aiming to identify sustainable solutions to the growing water crisis in the country’s south-western coastal region.
The convention is being organised by AOSED, a Khulna-based non-government organisation, in collaboration with around 60 organisations, including public universities, professionals, socio-economic groups, journalists, and NGOs.
Prof Dr Ainun Nishat, adviser to the Centre for Climate Change and Environment Research and a noted water expert, attended the inaugural session as the chief guest and formally opened the convention at around 12:30 pm at the CSS Ava Centre under Khulna Sadar thana.
The opening session was presided over by Dr Md Khairul Islam, Regional Director of WaterAid for the South Asian region. Md Shamim Arefeen, member secretary of the convention organising committee and executive director of AOSED, conducted the programme.
Among others, Prof Dr Kazi Maruful Islam of Dhaka University, Prof Anwarul Quadir, executive director of Sundarban Academy, Abul Kalam Azad of ActionAid, ATM Zakir Hossain, executive director of Jagrata Juba Sangho (JJS), Soma Dutta of Manusher Janno Foundation, and Deb Prosad Sarker, executive director of LoCOS, addressed the gathering.
The three-day convention features workshops, seminars, panel discussions, documentary screenings, cultural programmes, and a concluding session.
Speakers highlighted key challenges affecting coastal water security, including obstruction of natural tidal flows, river erosion, siltation, rising salinity, pollution, mismanagement, climate change–driven vulnerability, loss of community rights over water resources, and the decline of indigenous and sustainable water management practices.
They noted that unchecked human intervention, often ignoring ecological balance and local interests, has disrupted natural water systems, reducing freshwater flow from upstream sources. As a result, access to safe drinking water has become increasingly critical in the south-western coastal belt.
The speakers stressed that addressing these challenges requires realistic, science-based policies and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
They expressed optimism that the convention would help build a strong and sustainable water advocacy platform and lead to a “Khulna Declaration”, offering meaningful guidance for tackling climate and water-related challenges.
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