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Groundwater is the main source of irrigation for modern rice varieties in many countries including Bangladesh. However, this important resource is being over-exploited and depleted beyond natural replenishment of aquifers from rainfall and river flow. The aim of the study is to formulate policies by identifying key factors constraining sustainable use of groundwater for irrigation in the context of maintaining food security in the northwest Bangladesh. Both primary and secondary data considering environmental, social and economic aspects were used for assessing sustainability of groundwater use for irrigation. Analysis revealed a declining trend of groundwater table in the northwest Bangladesh during 1981–2014, where the most depleted groundwater table was in Rajshahi followed by Pabna, Bogra, Dinajpur, and Rangpur district. The magnitude of depletion of groundwater table in Rajshahi district was 4–12 m …