Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 25, 2026 (BSS)- Experts unanimously expected that the newly-
adopted project will ensure climate resilience, sustainable water management 
and innovative development in the water-stressed Barind area.
 
Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) will implement the project 
titled "Barind Area Resilient and Innovative Development (BARIND)" in the 
Barind area.

These were revealed in an inception workshop of the project organised by 
BMDA, Institute of Water Modeling (IWM) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) held 
at Nanking Darbar Hall in the city today.

BMDA Chairman Hasan Jafir Tuhin addressed the workshop as the chief guest 
with its Executive Director Abu Sayeed Kamruzzaman in the chair.

Special guests present included Sohel Masud, Deputy Executive Director, IWM; 
Shingo Kimura, Principal Natural Resources and Agricultural Economist, ADB; 
Professor Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan from Department of Geology and Mining at 
Rajshahi University (RU); Dr. Takashi Yamano, Principal Economist of Asian 
Development Bank (ADB) and Prof Neamul Bari from Department of Civil 
Engineering at Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET).

In his remarks, Hasan Jafir Tuhin said the Barind region has long been 
recognized as one of the most adverse agro-ecological zones in Bangladesh. 

Despite significant success in agricultural development over the past 
decades, this region faces serious challenges such as climate change, 
declining groundwater levels, repeated droughts, land degradation, and 
increasing pressure on water resources. 

He, however, said the BARIND project is a significant step toward achieving 
these national priorities through sustainable water management, climate-
resilient agriculture, environmental protection, and inclusive economic 
development.

It will also play a role in establishing a sustainable development model by 
ensuring proper management of water resources, climate-resilient agriculture, 
use of modern technology, and participation of local people.

"I hope that through the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, this 
project will be successfully implemented and will help build a safe and 
prosperous Barind region for future generations," he added.
 
Officials from various levels of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of 
Finance, and administration, along with various stakeholders from Rajshahi 
and Rangpur divisions, attended the workshop and provided important feedback.