"Groundwater depletion is a major problem for water management in Bangladesh and I suggest all to use the surface water, especially the river water, in our day-to-day activities," he said this while he was addressing a conference of the Diploma Engineers Association of Water Development Board (WDB).

With the association president Mohammad Abdul Matin in the chair, the function was also addressed by secretary of the ministry SM Zahurul Islam, WDB Director General Sharif Rafiqul Islam, President of the Institution of Diploma Engineers' Rafiqul Islam Bhuiyan and General Secretary Ibn Fazal Saifuzzaman.

Hafiz assured the diploma engineers that the present government would take proper initiative to build Water Bhaban within its tenure. He asked all to contribute their best in restoring discipline in the water management.