The coastal region of Bangladesh is facing an acute crisis of safe drinking water, posing serious health risks, particularly for women. Due to the consumption of saline water, coastal women are increasingly suffering from uterine infections and other complex health issues. About 73% of coastal residents lack access to safe drinking water, while nearly 30 million people across 19 districts struggle to collect fresh water. To address this crisis, demands have been raised to declare the coastal region a water-scarce zone and ensure an urgent supply of safe drinking water.
On Saturday, March 22, in observance of World Water Day, a protest march was organized along the Pashur River at Dakkhin Kainmari in Mongla, where coastal women carried empty pitchers to symbolize their struggle for clean water. Later, at a public gathering, speakers emphasized that coastal residents, particularly women, must travel long distances daily to fetch drinking water, resulting in wasted labor hours and increased health risks. The event was jointly organized by Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, and Pashur River Waterkeeper.
The gathering was presided over by Md. Noor Alam Sk., an environmental activist and Pashur River Waterkeeper. He stated, “We are fighting for clean and safe water—water that is fit for drinking, suitable for aquatic life, and safe for bathing. Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental right, and urgent action must be taken to resolve the coastal water crisis.” He further emphasized the need for infrastructure development for water conservation and sustainable water resource management.
Among the speakers were Komola Sarker, leader of DHORA; Mostafizur Rahman Milon, President of Service Bangladesh; Hasib Sardar of Waterkeepers Bangladesh; and Pashur River Waterkeeper volunteers Chandrika Mondal, Ratna Sheikh, and Tonni Mondal.
Komola Sarker highlighted, “Women are forced to walk miles every day to collect drinking water, which negatively impacts their daily lives and productivity. Due to excessive salinity intrusion in southern Bangladesh, pregnant women are increasingly suffering from high blood pressure and preeclampsia.”
Ratna Sheikh, a volunteer of Pashur River Waterkeeper, stressed, “A sustainable solution to the coastal drinking water crisis is essential. The destruction, encroachment, and pollution of freshwater sources must be stopped. The government must allocate a special budget in the 2025-26 fiscal year to ensure universal, equitable, and affordable access to safe drinking water.”
Following the gathering, participants urged the government to take immediate and effective measures to resolve the coastal safe water crisis.
