The World Water Day-2017 is being observed in the country and elsewhere across the globe today in a befitting manner with the theme "Wastewater". The United Nations General Assembly designated March 22 as the World Water Day since 1993, following a resolution taken in Rio, Brazil,in 1992 when demands were made to designate a special day for water resources.Focusing attention to the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources, the UN-Water co-ordinates the World Water Day campaign.President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today greeted the riverine people of Bangladesh on the occasion with a call to come forward for fair and sustainable water management.In separate messages, they called for raising awareness campaign marking observance of the day aimed at ensuring water and food security for all people.President Hamid in his message said, "Water is life, water is wealth . There is no alternative to ensure sufficient usable water supply for attaining food security in Bangladesh as water resource is very significant element for every walk of life including agriculture, industry and other produces."He said food production, environment and public health are at stake because of scarcity of water in dry season due to water pollution and impact of climate change.The President hoped that the countrymen would work to ensure safe water management and wished success of the World Water Day programme.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message greeted the people on the eve of the day saying the day`s programme would enhance awareness among the masses about water and food security campaign. Terming the water as a basic element of life and environment, the Premier said agriculture, industry, fisheries, livestock and other ecological diversification depend on the water."Water Resources Ministry and other offices, including Bangladesh Water Development Board, Water Resources Planning Organisation (WARPO), Haor and Wetlands Development Directorate, Joint River Commission, River Research Institute, Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) and Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) are working relentlessly to ensure country`s water resource management," the PM said, adding,"Those are also playing very important role to ensure food security and face floods and other natural calamities."The concerned ministry and organisations have drawn up different programmes to mark the day. The porgrammes include: rally, leaf let distribution, pasting posters, motivational and awareness campaign to the people, symposium and discussion highlighting the significance of the day.Source: BSS