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Civil engineers, academics and policymakers on Sunday called for science-based urban planning, restoration of rivers and canals, and stronger integration of research into policymaking, warning that Bangladesh’s increasing exposure to climate change, rapid urbanisation and recurring urban flooding requires long-term engineering solutions rather than reactive measures.
The call came at the closing ceremony of the Annual Paper Meet of Civil Engineering (APMCE 2026) and a seminar titled “Engineering a Sustainable Future: The Role of Civil Engineers in Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” organised by the Civil Engineering Division of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) at its headquarters in Ramna.
The two-day conference brought together researchers, academics and engineering professionals from universities and institutions across the country to present studies on infrastructure development, transportation, water resources, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, environmental sustainability and resilient urban development.
Addressing the programme as chief guest, Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Iqbal said Bangladesh must shift from disaster response to long-term, science-driven planning that works with nature instead of against it.
“Our development strategies must protect rivers, canals, wetlands and natural floodplains. Preserving these ecosystems can significantly reduce waterlogging, flooding and many other environmental challenges,” he said.
Referring to the country’s recurring urban floods, Dr Iqbal stressed that restoring canals, maintaining river navigability and ensuring uninterrupted natural water flow are essential for sustainable water management.
He also pointed to excessive sediment accumulation from upstream rivers, saying that declining river depth continues to worsen drainage problems across the country.
“Regular dredging, scientific sediment management and integrated river basin planning are indispensable for finding lasting solutions to Bangladesh’s flooding and drainage challenges,” he added.
Speaking as special guest, Prof Dr Engr Md Abu Tayeb, Head of the Civil Engineering Department at DUET, said the Annual Paper Meet provides an important platform for connecting academic research with national development priorities.
He noted that the conference covered a wide range of topics, including transportation engineering, water resources management, environmental protection, disaster resilience, climate adaptation and sustainable infrastructure.
“The recommendations emerging from these research papers should not remain within academic circles. They should be compiled and shared with relevant ministries and government agencies so they can guide future policy and infrastructure development,” he said.
Delivering the welcome address, IEB Honorary General Secretary Prof Dr Engr Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan referred to the widespread disruption caused by recent heavy rainfall in Dhaka and Chattogram, saying just a few hours of rain had brought large parts of the capital to a standstill while prolonged rainfall triggered severe waterlogging in Chattogram.
He said inadequate coordination among government agencies remains one of the principal reasons behind Chattogram’s persistent drainage problems.
Regarding Dhaka, he observed that although drainage infrastructure has improved in recent years, it remains insufficient to cope with the demands of the rapidly expanding capital.
He explained that many drainage canals discharge water into surrounding rivers through pumping stations. During the dry season, lower river levels allow efficient drainage, but during the monsoon, elevated river levels significantly reduce pumping efficiency, leading to severe waterlogging.
He also identified encroachment on canals, the disappearance of wetlands, unplanned urban expansion and clogged drains caused by solid waste as major contributors to the capital’s recurring flooding.
Presenting the keynote paper, former DUET Civil Engineering professor Dr SM Atikul Islam said sustainable development requires meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
He stressed that economic growth, environmental protection and social inclusion must progress together through the responsible use of natural resources.
Dr Islam urged planners to integrate environmental conservation into every stage of infrastructure development to safeguard forests, rivers, wetlands, biodiversity and ecosystems.
He also called for wider adoption of green technologies in the construction sector, including solar energy, energy-efficient building designs, natural ventilation and environmentally friendly construction materials.
To build sustainable cities, he recommended expanding public transport networks, promoting electric vehicles, developing cycling lanes, creating pedestrian-friendly urban spaces and adopting low-carbon technologies to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and enhance the quality of urban life.
The seminar was chaired by Engr Muhammad Shafiqul Islam (Khoka), Chairman of the Civil Engineering Division of the IEB. The vote of thanks was delivered by Engr Md Ainul Kabir, Vice-Chairman of the division, while Engr Nesar Uddin, Secretary of the Civil Engineering Division, moderated the programme.