Background of DBHWD 

 

At first Bangladesh Haor Development Board was formed in 1977 as per instruction of the Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1973. But it was abolished in 1982 by the then Government. Bangladesh Haor and Wetlands Development Board was established in  2000 under the Ministry of Water Resources by the earnest desire of the Honorable Prime Minister. In the Cabinet meeting held on 17 November, 2014 it was decided to form the board as an Attached Department under the same Ministry. The Ministry issued a notification on 24 July 2016 regarding the formation of the “Department of Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Development” (DBHWD) after completion of all formalities.  

The first meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Department of Bangladesh Haor and Wetlands Development held on 5 May 2016 presiding over by the Hon`ble Prime Minister. Some important decisions have been taken in the meeting for capacity development of the Department. Among them the “National Committee for Haor and Wetland Development” has already been formed and 71 new posts has been approved by Ministry of Public Administration and the Finance Division. Now in the Ministry of Law for vetting.

Our country is an exceptional religiously unequal structure. It has plains, high and low mountains, rivers, canals and seas. There are 121 km of beaches along the sea. There are huge freshwater marshes. This Bangladesh is rich in forests, green trees, birds and fisheries. Rangamati district is a reservoir of unique beauty of forests, hills and lakes. Asia's largest artificial Kaptai Lake has made Bangladesh infinitely beautiful. Hora's style of formation and its enormity made people combative and action-oriented. The neglected people of our Haor region want to be a part of improving navigation to counter the desertification process, fish farming to meet protein needs, tree plantation to reduce carbon emissions and greening, development of community-based tourism with the participation of local people and development of communication system. Bangladesh Water and Wetland Development Directorate is working in an effort to improve the environment and eco-system by considering these issues.

Composition of the Directorate

In 1974, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ordered the formation of the "Haor Development Board" in order to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life of the people of Haor region, which is rich in water resources. The Hower Development Board was formed through an ordinance in 1977 but was abolished in 1982. "Bangladesh Water and Wetland Development Board" was established on September 11, 2000 as an attached office of the Ministry of Water Resources with the concerted efforts of the Honorable Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and later on July 24, 2016 as "Bangladesh Water and Wetland Development Directorate". is established

It covers wetlands of the whole country including 7 districts of North Eastern region, 6 meters depth area of the sea. Article 18(a) of the Constitution of Bangladesh states that 'the State shall preserve and develop the environment for its present and future citizens and provide for the conservation and safety of natural resources, biodiversity, wetlands, forests and wild animals, which can be considered as a reflection of the government's eco-friendly policy.