Denmark’s support to help tackle Dhaka’s water crisis: LGRD Minister

LGRD Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan (R) says Denmark’s support will help tackle Dhaka’s water crisis. Photo: Courtesy

Denmark’s support will play an effective role in addressing Dhaka’s growing demand for safe drinking water and tackling the capital’s water crisis, Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has said.

He said Denmark could become an important partner of Bangladesh in water supply, waste management and development assistance, including investment in infrastructure projects.

The minister made the remarks during a meeting with Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Møller at his office at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam was also present at the meeting.

The discussions focused on strengthening Bangladesh-Denmark bilateral relations, expanding cooperation in water supply and waste management, and exploring opportunities for Danish investment in development projects.

At the beginning of the meeting, Ambassador Møller congratulated Dr Moin Khan on assuming his new responsibilities as local government minister. He also expressed hope that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Denmark would be further strengthened and cooperation expanded into new areas.

Denmark to finance Sayedabad water treatment project

The minister said Denmark could play an important role in key sectors such as water supply and waste management in Bangladesh.

He particularly highlighted opportunities for Danish investment in waste-to-energy projects, saying such initiatives could contribute to both improved waste management and energy generation.

The meeting also discussed various aspects of Danish financing and cooperation for the Sayedabad Water Treatment Plant Project (Phase III).

Under the proposed financing arrangement, the Danish government will provide around Tk4,500 crore for the project, including Tk1,500 crore in grants and Tk3,000 crore in low-interest loans.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam described Danish cooperation in the third phase of the Sayedabad water treatment project as a major achievement for the government.

He said implementation of the project would significantly help meet the growing demand for safe drinking water in Dhaka.

The state minister also said the Danish financing would reduce the financial burden on the government in implementing the project.

Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, Dhaka WASA Managing Director Md Aminul Islam and senior officials of the ministry were also present at the meeting.