BUET sets 90-day action plan for water, power, and cybersecurity

Combining science, engineering, and data-driven technology, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has initiated a novel model to address critical strategic challenges. Moving beyond traditional dialogue, a realistic tech-driven action path has been designed to tackle complex issues across three vital sectors: renewing the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, enhancing regional power cooperation, and expanding the national cybersecurity industry. Under this modern framework titled 'Engineering Diplomacy,' emphasis is placed on identifying exact technological requirements, analyzing essential scientific data, and executing actionable steps within the next 90 days.

The roadmap was finalized at the three-day 'Dhaka Engineering Diplomacy Workshop 2026', which concluded in Dhaka on Thursday, August 27. 

Jointly organized by BUET's Center for Environmental and Resource Management (CERM) and Tufts University (USA) from August 25 to 27, the workshop was supported by the US National Science Foundation. It brought together government bodies, universities, technology industries, and civil society. Relevant sources confirmed that the framework reaches actionable solutions by scientifically analyzing tech capabilities, data, and institutional realities rather than relying solely on policy recommendations.

The event was chaired by BUET vice-chancellor Professor Abu Borhan Mohammad Badruzzaman, with Nazmul Ahsan, secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, as guest of honour. The welcome address was delivered by Professor Mashfiqus Salehin of BUET, while Professor Shafiqul Islam of Tufts University presented the keynote speech, emphasising how engineering diplomacy was essential for solving complex challenges like climate change, water security, energy transition, and infrastructure resilience.

For the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, the initiative prioritizes scientific arguments and measurable data alongside political discussions. Over the next 90 days, data integration on water demand, ecological needs, and river flow will be conducted. Regarding power cooperation, plans are underway to conduct surveys on national electricity demand, establish cross-border digital grid code synchronization, and reduce single-source dependency by exploring Eastern interconnections through Myanmar and BIMSTEC nations.

In the cybersecurity sector, to eliminate trust deficits regarding local tech products and startups, a collaborative online platform connecting banks, cybersecurity startups, and universities will be formed. The framework focuses on building credible assessment structures for local software and hardware, reducing foreign dependence, and establishing anchor partners.

According to BUET sources, the ultimate long-term goal is to establish a permanent 'Engineering Diplomacy Center' under BUET's leadership. This center will offer technological research, cybersecurity evaluations, and data-backed policy support. The upcoming 90-day execution phase will demonstrate how science and engineering expertise can transform the landscape of regional diplomacy.
//DBTech/MMI/SME/MIS//