Probaho: Celebrating 16 years of providing clean drinking water to people in crisis-prone areas

Syed Mizan, Bojrokontho ::

Dhaka, March 22, 2025] The World Water Day is being observed today across Bangladesh with the goal of preserving freshwater and raising public awareness about the significance of safe drinking water. Stepping into its 16th year, PROBAHO, a private sector-led initiative, has been continuously providing safe and clean drinking water to communities affected by arsenic contamination and saltwater. On this occasion, two new water filtration plants have been inaugurated in Satkhira’s Alipur and Gabura under the PROHABO initiative. With this, the total number of such plants under this initiative across 25 districts in the country has reached 126.
Arsenic contamination has been widespread in shallow tube wells in several parts of Bangladesh. Millions of people face serious health risks due to arsenic and salinity in their drinking water. Climate change has worsened the situation by instigating droughts and raising the sea level, causing an increased saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources. This terrible state further emphasises the importance of World Water Day in Bangladesh.
PROBAHO has been actively addressing clean water scarcity by installing safe water plants in underserved communities, ensuring access to safe drinking water for those in need. Through 126 water filtration plants across 25 districts, the initiative aims to protect public health and help communities overcome the challenges of securing clean and safe drinking water. From Kushtia to Manikganj, Rangamati to Satkhira, PROBAHO is addressing the crisis by delivering long-term and sustainable solutions for clean and safe drinking water.
On this occasion, Ahmed Raihan Ahsanullah, a spokesperson of PROBAHO, commented, “On the 16th anniversary, PROBAHO aims to expand its coverage across the country to mitigate the water crisis escalated by climate change. We are working to offer a sustainable model solution that ensures long-term access to safe drinking water.”
Community involvement is at the heart of PROBAHO’s approach. Marginalised communities actively participate in the operation and maintenance of filtration plants, ensuring their long-term functionality. To sustain and expand its impact, the initiative seeks the continued support of beneficiaries and well-wishers.