The Government of Bangladesh has established a specialised cell to oversee the excavation and re-excavation of the country’s rivers, canals, and water bodies. The initiative aims to strengthen waterway management and mitigate flooding risks while promoting sustainable development of inland water resources. An official notification from the Prime Minister’s Office was issued on 23 February 2026 formalising the creation of the cell.
Leading this eight-member team is Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Adviser to the Prime Minister. His appointment as chairperson reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring experienced leadership in the management of the nation’s vital waterways.
The cell’s membership comprises senior officials from several key ministries, ensuring inter-agency coordination. Members include the Secretaries of the Ministries of Land, Agriculture, Local Government, Water Resources, and Disaster Management & Relief. Additionally, the Chief Engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and the Director General of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) will serve as members. The Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources will act as the member-secretary, overseeing administrative coordination.
Composition of the River Development Cell
| Position | Name / Office | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Adviser to Prime Minister | Head of the Cell |
| Secretary, Ministry of Land | – | Member |
| Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture | – | Member |
| Secretary, Ministry of Local Government | – | Member |
| Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources | – | Member-Secretary |
| Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management & Relief | – | Member |
| Chief Engineer, LGED | – | Member |
| Director General, BWDB | – | Member |
According to the official notification, the cell will be responsible for developing comprehensive action plans for river, canal, and water body excavation projects. It will coordinate ongoing projects across various government agencies, review progress, identify bottlenecks, and provide guidance to resolve operational challenges.
Beyond technical oversight, the cell will also lead public awareness campaigns to increase citizen engagement in waterway maintenance and conservation. The notification further allows the cell to co-opt additional members through internal discussion, if required, to strengthen its operational capacity.
All necessary administrative support for the cell will be facilitated by the respective ministries through the Ministry of Water Resources, ensuring the team has the resources to effectively implement its mandate. The notification explicitly states that the cell’s functions are effective immediately upon issuance.
This move reflects the government’s growing focus on revitalising Bangladesh’s waterways as part of broader environmental management and flood control strategies, recognising rivers and canals as critical assets for both ecological balance and local livelihoods.
