Photo: Freepik

DHAKA, Feb 27, 2025 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Municipal Development Fund (BMDF) under the Ministry of Finance and Water.org have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve water and sanitation infrastructure across the key city corporations and municipalities in Bangladesh. 

The partnership leverages BMDF's urban infrastructure portfolio and Water.org's global technical expertise on the water and sanitation sector to create sustainable and scalable impact, said a press release. 

The initiative is expected to mobilize approximately $20 million in funding to facilitate the development of bankable water and sanitation infrastructure projects across relevant urban local bodies. 

Water.org will provide technical assistance to BMDF with a view to strengthening the capacity of relevant stakeholders to design and implement viable sanitation and water supply initiatives, integrating climate considerations, and minimizing environmental footprints.

Water.org support is also expected to strengthen BMDF capacity to avail of funds from international DFI partners such as the World Bank and Agence FranOaise de D,velopment (AfD). Furthermore, Water.org support will help with private capital mobilization at the municipality level after DFI funding is secured and allocated to appropriate municipal-level projects. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Md. Nizam Uddin, Chairman, Board of Directors, BMDF and Secretary, Local Government Division, stated that this partnership is a significant step toward improving safe water and sanitation systems in Bangladesh's urban areas. BMDF and Water.org will work together to achieve this goal.

A.K.M. Tariqul Alam, Managing Director (A.C.) of BMDF, stated that this partnership will support municipalities for financing and executing impactful WASH projects, contributing to urban resilience and public health.

Sajid Amit, Executive Director, Executive Director, South Asia,Water.org, added, "Water.org is committed to supporting BMDF in unlocking finance and expertise to enhance access to safe water and sanitation in urban Bangladesh."

The initiative aligns with Bangladesh's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It is expected to create a positive impact on urban populations by ensuring access to essential water and sanitation services.

The MoU signing was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Local Government Division (LGD), municipal authorities, and development partners. The collaboration sets a precedent for future initiatives in the WASH sector, fostering sustainable urban development.

Water.org is an international nonprofit organization that helps people living in poverty access safe water and improved sanitation through affordable financing. Operating in 15 countries across four continents, Water.org is partnering with key government counterparts in Bangladesh, in association with the local consulting firm Inspira Advisory & Consulting Limited, to support capital mobilization, capacity building, and infrastructure development in the water and sanitation sector.

In Bangladesh, till date, Water.org has served more than 1 crore people (10 million) with access to safe water and safely managed sanitation.