Mongla, Mar 22 (V7N)– A critical water crisis is plaguing coastal Bangladesh, with women bearing the brunt of the consequences. The consumption of saltwater is leading to a surge in uterine infections, highlighting the severe lack of access to clean drinking water in the region.

On World Water Day, residents and activists gathered on the banks of the Pashur River in South Kinmari, Mongla, to raise awareness about this pressing issue. A procession of coastal women carrying empty pitchers preceded a rally organized by Dharitree Raksha Amara (Dhara), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, and Pashur River Waterkeeper.

"Drinking salt water has increased the incidence of uterine infections in coastal women. 73% of coastal people are deprived of clean drinking water," a local activist reported.

Speakers at the rally emphasized the dire situation, revealing that 30 million people across 19 coastal districts in Bangladesh struggle to access potable water. Of these, 15 million are forced to consume contaminated saltwater from underground sources.

"The coastal region must be declared a water-critical area and clean drinking water must be ensured for everyone on an urgent basis," demanded Pashur River Waterkeeper environmentalist Md. Nur Alam Sheikh, who presided over the event.

Dhara leader Kamala Sarkar highlighted the arduous journeys women undertake to fetch water, wasting valuable labor hours. She also pointed out the increased health risks associated with saltwater consumption, including pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure in pregnant women.

"Women have to travel miles to collect drinking water. As a result, women's labor hours are being wasted. Salt water has entered the southern part of Bangladesh from the sea to the interior of the land. People have to consume relatively high amounts of salt with water and food. Women's health risks have increased," Sarkar stated.

Pashur River Waterkeeper Volunteer Ratna Sheikh called for sustainable solutions to provide clean drinking water to all coastal residents. She stressed the need to stop the filling, encroachment, and pollution of freshwater sources and demanded special budgetary allocations for the 2025-26 fiscal year to ensure universal access to safe water.

"A sustainable solution must be found for drinking water for all coastal people. Filling, encroachment and pollution of fresh water sources must be stopped. Special allocations should be made in the budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year to ensure universal, equitable and easy access to safe water," Sheikh said.

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