EBL, SOS Children's Villages join hands to deliver safe drinking water to 12,500 people in coastal Khulna

SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh, in partnership with Eastern Bank PLC (EBL), recently inaugurated 16 solar-powered deep tube-well facilities to provide safe drinking water to climate-vulnerable communities in coastal Khulna. EBL supported the initiative as Climate Action Partner.

The facilities have been established across salinity-hit coastal communities in Bagerhat district and Batiaghata Upazila of Khulna, deliberately sited to extend safe water to as many households as possible. Together they are expected to directly benefit approximately 12,500 people, with more than 20,000 gaining access indirectly, in areas long burdened by chronic freshwater scarcity, says a press release. 

The inauguration ceremony in Batiaghata was attended by Amir Ejaz Khan, MP, Member of Parliament for Khulna-1; Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh, and Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, Company Secretary of EBL. Senior representatives from both organizations, local government officials, community leaders and residents were also present.

Speaking at the inauguration, Amir Ejaz Khan, MP, said, "Ensuring access to safe drinking water for climate-vulnerable coastal communities is a matter of national concern. This initiative will make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of families, and I commend SOS Children's Villages Bangladesh and Eastern Bank PLC for undertaking such a sustainable and impactful project."

Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh, said, “Children cannot thrive when access to safe water is uncertain. These facilities will improve children’s health, reduce the burden on women and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable families. We deeply appreciate EBL’s partnership in creating sustainable, long-term impact for coastal communities.”

Hassan O. Rashid, Managing Director and CEO of EBL, said, “Climate resilience begins by securing life’s most essential needs. Through this partnership, EBL is transforming its commitment to sustainability into tangible action by improving access to safe drinking water and strengthening the resilience of thousands of people in coastal Bangladesh.”