Denmark will play a significant role in helping Bangladesh address Dhaka's escalating demand for safe drinking water, Abdul Moyeen Khan, the minister for local government, rural development and cooperatives, said Tuesday.

Dr Khan shared the development with the Daily Waadaa over the phone, following a meeting with Christen Bricks Møller, the Danish ambassador to Bangladesh, at his office. Mir Shah-e-Alam, the state minister for local government, also attended the meeting.

The discussion centered on deepening bilateral ties between the two countries, expanding cooperation on water supply and waste management, and identifying opportunities for Danish investment in Bangladesh's development projects.

"Denmark can play an important role in these sectors," Dr. Khan said. "There is also scope for Danish investment in producing energy from waste."

Much of the meeting focused on financing for the third phase of the Sayedabad Water Treatment Plant, one of Dhaka's key water infrastructure projects. Under the arrangement being discussed, the Danish government would contribute roughly 4,500 crore taka, or about $370 million, toward the project — split between a 1,500 crore taka grant and a 3,000 crore taka low-interest loan.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Mr. Shah-e-Alam called Denmark's commitment to the project "a major success for the government," saying it would substantially ease pressure on the city's water supply once completed.

The two sides also discussed strengthening cooperation on modern waste treatment and waste-to-energy technology, as well as broader prospects for collaboration on urban services and development projects.

Ambassador Møller opened the meeting by congratulating Dr. Khan on his appointment as local government minister and voiced hope for deeper ties between the two countries.

Also present were Md. Shahidul Hasan, secretary of the Local Government Division; Md. Aminul Islam, managing director of Dhaka WASA; and other senior ministry officials.

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