Government Appoints New Water Resources Secretary

The Government of Bangladesh has appointed Dr A. K. M. Shahabuddin as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, a key position overseeing the country’s water management and policy initiatives. The appointment was formalised last Thursday, 29 January, through a notification issued by the Senior Assistant Secretary of the Senior Appointment-1 Branch of the Ministry of Public Administration, Jeti Pru.

According to the official notification, Dr Shahabuddin, previously serving as the Rector (Secretary) of the National Academy for Development Administration (NADA), has been transferred and promoted to the role of Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources. The order specifies that the decision is made in the public interest and will take effect immediately.

Dr Shahabuddin brings extensive administrative experience to the position, having served in various senior roles within the civil service. His appointment comes at a crucial time, as Bangladesh continues to tackle challenges related to water resource management, including flood control, river erosion, irrigation planning, and sustainable water policy development. Observers note that his prior leadership at NADA has provided him with a strong foundation in public administration and strategic development planning, skills considered essential for steering the ministry effectively.

In a related administrative reshuffle, the Ministry of Public Administration has also appointed Dr Md. Kamruzzaman, the current Director General of the Department of Environment, as the new Rector (Secretary) of NADA. This move highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership across critical ministries and national institutions.

Key Appointments in the Recent Reshuffle

The Ministry of Water Resources plays a pivotal role in managing Bangladesh’s extensive river networks, flood management projects, and water-related infrastructure. With Dr Shahabuddin at the helm, analysts expect a renewed focus on policy implementation and strategic planning, aimed at addressing both immediate challenges such as seasonal flooding and long-term objectives like sustainable water governance.

The government’s announcement has been welcomed by several water sector experts, who emphasised that strong, experienced leadership is crucial for ensuring the country’s water security and supporting developmental projects that impact millions of citizens.