Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday underscored the need for integrated urban planning to tackle the challenges of rapid urbanisation and ensure sustainable water management across the country.

He also assured experts of the government's support in addressing water management challenges and implementing long-term, sustainable solutions during an exchange of views held at the Prime Minister's Office in the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said the discussion focused on major water management issues, including canal restoration, river and embankment stability, urban drainage, wastewater treatment and rainwater management.

The meeting was attended by environmental, water resources and engineering experts, along with representatives of several organisations led by Footsteps Bangladesh.

The participants shared their experiences and recommendations on the country's water management challenges, existing limitations and possible solutions.

Tarique emphasised the importance of coordinated planning to strengthen water management and build resilient urban infrastructure in the face of growing urbanisation, according to the PM's Deputy Press Secretary.