This study describes the development of water management in Bangladesh, including flood control and drainage schemes. The present landuse situation and hydrological conditions are presented and the coastal lowland development of Southeast Asia is reviewed.  A performance analysis of different flood control and drainage systems are discussed, with reference to the coastal belt of Bangladesh.  This book aims to set out an approach for sustainable development and water management for coastal Bangladesh, developing the concepts of effective techniques, tools and institutional infrastructure which should support implementation of flood control and drainage schemes.