09/03/2026
Government Seeks IFAD Support for Rural Development and Safe Water Management
Dhaka, Monday (9 March 2026):
The Minister of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has sought stronger cooperation from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to support the development of rural communities in Bangladesh. He particularly emphasized the importance of IFAD’s assistance in improving safe water management in rural areas.
The minister expressed this hope during a courtesy meeting with Dr. Valentine Achancho, Country Director of IFAD in Bangladesh, held at the ministry on Monday.
The minister said that the government is implementing various programs to improve the living standards of rural people in Bangladesh. In this regard, he noted that IFAD’s cooperation could play a significant role, especially in ensuring the supply and management of safe drinking water in rural areas.
During the meeting, IFAD’s Country Director in Bangladesh, Dr. Valentine Achancho, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working jointly with the Government of Bangladesh to address the impacts of climate change and to support communities affected by natural disasters.
The meeting was also attended by Md. Shahidul Hasan, Secretary of the Local Government Division; Md. Mahmudul Hasan, NDC, Director General of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing; and Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman, Private Secretary (Deputy Secretary) to the Minister.