Nearly three crore people across 19 coastal districts in Bangladesh lack access to safe drinking water, with 1.5 crore relying on saline groundwater, environment activists said today.

They have urged the government to declare the coastal belt a water crisis-prone region and take immediate steps to ensure potable water for all.

The issue was highlighted at a rally marking World Water Day this morning on the banks of the Pashur River in Dakshin Kainmari, Mongla.

Organised by Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (Dhara), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, and the Pashur River Waterkeeper, the event featured coastal women carrying empty water pitchers to symbolise their struggle.

Presiding over the rally at 11:00am, Pashur River Waterkeeper activist Md Noor Alam Sheikh said, "We are fighting against threats to clean and safe water. Our struggle is for drinkable, swimmable, and fish-friendly water. Water is life, and resolving the coastal drinking water crisis must be an urgent priority."

He stressed the need for water conservation infrastructure and sustainable water resource management.

Dharitri Rokkay Amra (Dhara) leader Kamala Sarker highlighted the disproportionate impact on women. "Women are forced to travel miles to fetch drinking water, losing significant working hours. Saltwater intrusion has penetrated deep inland, forcing locals to consume excessive salt through water and food," she said.

She also raised concerns over rising health risks, particularly among pregnant women, citing an increase in cases of pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure in saline-affected areas.

Ratna Sheikh, a volunteer at Pashur River Waterkeeper, called for a sustainable solution.

"We must stop the encroachment, pollution, and filling of freshwater sources. The national budget for 2025-26 should allocate special funds to ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water," she urged.

Other speakers included Mostafizur Rahman Milon, president of Service Bangladesh, and Hasib Sardar of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, along with Pashur River Waterkeeper volunteers Chandrika Mondal and Tanvi Mondal.

Before the rally, coastal women marched along the Pashur River carrying empty pitchers, underscoring the severity of the water crisis.