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

Denmark’s support could make a significant contribution to meeting Dhaka’s growing demand for safe drinking water and addressing the capital’s persistent water crisis, Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has said.

He said Denmark has the potential to become a key development partner for Bangladesh in areas including water supply, waste management and infrastructure investment.

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 also attended the meeting.

The talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Denmark, expanding cooperation in water supply and waste management, and identifying opportunities for Danish investment in development projects.

At the outset, Ambassador Møller congratulated Dr Moin Khan on taking charge of the local government ministry and expressed optimism that bilateral relations would deepen further, with cooperation expanding into new sectors.

Denmark to finance Sayedabad water treatment project

Dr Moin Khan said Denmark could play a significant role in developing Bangladesh’s water supply and waste management sectors.

He particularly pointed to the potential for Danish investment in waste-to-energy projects, noting that such initiatives could improve waste management while also supporting energy generation.

The meeting also reviewed Danish financing and cooperation for the Sayedabad Water Treatment Plant Project (Phase III).

Under the proposed financing package, the Danish government will provide around Tk4,500 crore for the project, comprising 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 significant achievement for the government.

He said the project would substantially help meet Dhaka’s increasing demand for safe drinking water while easing pressure on the government’s finances.

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