Expertise: Water Resources Management
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords: Water Resources Management
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The objective of this assignment is to provide support for the preparation of the proposed Adaptive
River System Management Project (ARSMP). Flow augmentation through distributaries of the Lower Jamuna
and Padma rivers to surrounding Dhaka rivers are very important for which offtake management of the
distributaries will be pivotal. The consultant will provide support to BWDB in finalizing the
feasibility study of (i) pilot structure at North Dhaleshwari and Pungli offtakes, comprising
appropriate offtake geometries, flow guiding structures, closure dams, dredging/re-excavation of a
sediment basin; as well as (ii) reconnecting the Ichamati river with the Padma River for environmental
flow. The consultant will assist BWDB in (i) preparing necessary background analysis including numerical
and morphological analysis, and (ii) preparing the DPP regarding offtake management, distributary
network management and river restoration aspects.
Background of the Project
The proposed ARSMP of an estimated total amount of about $250 million will focus on the river system
management in Bangladesh, following a holistic, integrated, and systematic approach to flood, riverbank
erosion, and environmental risk management. The primary objectives of the project are to (i) stabilize
selected river reaches along the Main Stem of the Jamuna, Padma, and some selected distributary rivers,
integrating erosion and flood protection works; (ii) reduce economic vulnerability and social disruption
induced by flood and riverbank erosion in selected flood prone areas; (iii) improve the water
connectivity, ecology, and river navigation; (iv) strengthen the institutional capacity for flood and
erosion management; (v) strengthen the knowledge-base for informed decision-making on preventive
measures. The selected four high-priority subprojects are in five districts: Jamuna and Padma left bank
(JLB, PLB) in Tangail and Manikganj districts; and Jamuna right bank (JRB) in Sirajganj and Pabna
districts; as well as some of the char areas in the Jamuna-Ganges confluence, evolved from historic
river channel patterns. They are characterized by: (i) a high risk of riverbank erosion and annual
flooding, and (ii) valuable assets under threat.
In addition to aiming at increasing cost-effectiveness and sustainability through innovative
technologies in structural measures (such as using sand-filled geotextile bags as revetment materials,
climate-resilient flood embankments, etc.), and in nonstructural measures (such as asset management,
risk mapping, flood forecasting and warning, erosion-prediction, risk awareness and preparedness, etc.),
the project will also include subcomponents related to river connectivity, water ecosystem, and
navigation as well as reclamation of lost floodplain and development of Chars. The project will expand
further on principles developed under previous investments and coordinate closely with other development
partners to build synergies among efforts.
The Bangladesh Development Board (BWDB) under the Ministry of Water Resources in Bangladesh will be the
executing agency of the project, while the River Management Division of the BWDB will be the project
office. The project will be considered for approval by the ADB board in 2026 to become effective in 2026.
Scope of Work
The scope of work includes supporting BWDB and ADB project team to:
(i) Summarize the results from the feasibility study report under FRERMIP P-2 and other BWDB
studies/technical reports on offtake management and flow augmentation along the left bank of Lower
Jamuna-Padma River at Tangail, Manikganj & Dhaka districts;
(ii) Provide technical inputs for the preparation of distributary network studies for finalization in
discussion with the consulting team and the BWDB;
(iii) Prepare a strategy for pilot implementation during the ensuing project, including multi-criteria
analysis of options, detailed analysis of suitable alternatives, selection of preferred alternative in
close coordination with the consulting team and BWDB.
(iv) Outline key elements for the Dhaka River Restoration Program focusing on the four rivers around
Dhaka and prepare a brief document highlighting key constraints and opportunities.
(v) Liaise with the BWDB project team, Management and MoWR to coordinate the preparation of the Dhaka
River Restoration Program; and
(vi) Support ADB missions with technical inputs for (a) the offtake structures at the Jamuna River, (b)
the reconnection of the Ichamatty River, and (c) the study connected with Dhaka River Restoration
Program.
The specialist will work as a team member of the ADB/BWDB project team but independently undertake the
tasks and will report to ADB/BWDB.
The assignment is scheduled to commence in August 2025 and completed by March 2026, with 50 days of
intermittent inputs spread over 8 months.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
The Specialist will perform and deliver, but not limited to, the following tasks and outputs:
(i) Review feasibility study report under FRERMIP P-2;
(ii) Review other relevant BWDB studies/technical reports on offtake management and flow augmentation
along the left bank of Lower Jamuna-Padma river at Tangail, Manikganj and Dhaka district;
(iii) Analyze the morphodynamical behavior of the Lower Jamuna and Padma river in regards of bank
stabilization & distributary offtake management of the rivers;
(iv) Summarize the results highlighting issues and solutions including option analysis through multi-
criteria assessment.
(v) Provide technical inputs for preparation of distributary network studies and guide the studies
during implementation;
(vi) Review BWDB undertaken studies/ technical reports on restoring the four rivers surrounding Dhaka
city and prepare a summary report highlighting issues and solutions;
(vii) Liaise with BWDB and IWTA Management for obtaining information on priority activities considered
for Dhaka River Restoration Program;
(viii) Prepare a stringent concept note for the river restoration study (for DPP & bidding);
(ix) Support ADB missions and prepare required documents;
(x) Provide inputs to address comments received during the ADB review process; and
(xi) Perform other tasks as may be requested by the ADB/BWDB Mission Leaders from time to time.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The following minimum qualification is required for the position:
(i) Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering or a related field, Master’s
degree preferred.
(ii) Minimum 20 years’ experience
(iii) Minimum 15 years’ experience on water resources management & planning.
(iv) Experience working on ADB and/or World Bank funded/aided projects will be preferred.
(v) Preference will be given to those with project preparation experience.
Minimum General Experience: 20 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 15 Years
