Warning that a devastating flood like 1998 may hit the country this year, they advocated for keeping the canals and culverts clean from their starting point to destination for smooth flow of rainwater.

The press conference titled 'Waterlogging problem in Dhaka city and its solution' was organised by the national committee of Paribesh Bachao Andolon (Save the Environment Movement) to eliminate waterlogging from the city at the National Press Club in the city.

Presenting a keynote paper, Engineer Sheikh Mohammad Shahidullah, convener of the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Electricity and Port, said waterlogging is the outcome of unbridled corruption, land grabbing and lack of good governance by the past governments.

The cleaners of DCC as well as the city dwellers dump the waste in the manholes and catch pits damaging the drainage system, he said, adding that a clean drainage system is a must to solve the crisis.

Shahidullah said the authorities concerned including people's representatives, environmentalists and media have to play a watchdog role in keeping the roads, drains and catch pits clean.

He also called for forming a permanent storm fighting team comprising Dhaka City Corporation, Bangladesh Water Development Board and Bangladesh Army.

Shahidullah said a storm drainage system with sluice gates and water pumps must be kept operational as part of the flood preparation.

Praising the government's initiative to recover the canals, he said demarcation of canals' boundary and demolition of structures on the bank of the canals is imperative to ensure smooth flow of rainwater.

Safiuddin Sarker, former president of the Institute of Diploma Engineers, said the discharging points of the city canals should be kept clean round the year to solve the waterlogging problem.

Justice Ghulam Rabbani, Engineer Mohammad Abdus Sobhan and Paribesh Bachao Andolan Convenrr Abu Naser Khan were also present at the conference.