Denmark’s cooperation will play an effective role in addressing Dhaka’s growing demand for safe drinking water and tackling the city’s water crisis, said Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan. He said Denmark could become an important partner of Bangladesh in water supply, waste management and development assistance.

The minister made the remarks during a meeting with Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Moller at his office in the Secretariat on Tuesday (August 25). State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam was also present at the meeting.

The discussions covered ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Denmark, expand cooperation in water supply and waste management, and explore opportunities for Danish investment in development projects.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Danish ambassador congratulated the minister on assuming his new responsibilities. He also expressed hope that bilateral relations between the two countries would become stronger and that areas of cooperation would be expanded further.

Minister Abdul Moin Khan said Denmark could make an important contribution to key sectors such as water supply and waste management in Bangladesh. He particularly highlighted the potential for Danish investment in converting waste into energy.

The meeting also discussed various aspects of Danish financing and cooperation for the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant Project (Phase III). Under the project, the Danish government will provide Tk 4,500 crore in financing, including Tk 1,500 crore as a grant and Tk 3,000 crore as low-interest loan assistance.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam described Denmark’s support for the third phase of the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant Project as a major achievement for the government. He said successful implementation of the project would help significantly ease the pressure created by Dhaka’s growing demand for safe drinking water.

He added that Denmark’s financing would reduce the financial burden on the government during implementation of the project.

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