Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged China to design a 50-year master plan to manage Bangladesh’s water system, which is crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers.

During a meeting with China’s Water Resources Minister Li Guoying in Beijing, Prof Yunus praised China's expertise in water and flood management. 

He emphasized that Bangladesh faces similar challenges and can learn from China’s strategies.

"Water gives us life, but sometimes it becomes an enemy," Yunus said, highlighting the impact of population growth and riverbank encroachment. 

He sought China’s technical support to tackle siltation and river pollution, particularly in the Teesta River and Dhaka’s waterways.

Minister Li acknowledged the shared challenges and assured China’s assistance, noting that 85% of Bangladesh’s population lives in flood-prone areas.

The Chief Adviser is on a four-day visit to China, meeting leaders and investors to enhance bilateral cooperation.

BDST: 1753 HRS, MAR 28, 2025
MN