On Thursday, 30 October 2025, at 11:00 AM, two newly established water purification plants under the ICRDCV-II Project were formally inaugurated at Sodkona village of Assasuni Sadar Union and Naktara village of Sreeula Union in Assasuni Upazila, Satkhira district. The plants have been established by Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) with the support of Muslim Aid UK Bangladesh Field Office to provide safe and salt-free drinking water for the local communities suffering from saline water crisis in the coastal areas.

At the main event held at the “Sodkona Water Purification Plant” in Assasuni Sadar Union, Mr. Faysal Ahmed, Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Assasuni, officially inaugurated both plants. Among others, Mr. Tapan Sarker, Panel Chairman, Ward No. 06, Assasuni Union Parishad; Ms. Anjali Rani, Reserved Woman Member (Wards 4, 5 & 6); Mr. S. M. Monowar Hossain, Project Coordinator (Humanitarian), Muslim Aid UK Bangladesh Field Office; and Mr. Md. Shamsul Haque Mridha, Program Manager, ICRDCV-II Project, ESDO, were present. Local dignitaries, journalists, representatives from various NGOs, teachers, imams, male and female water users, water van drivers, and students of nearby schools also attended the event.

At the same time, the plaque of the “Naktara Water Purification Plant” in Sreeula Union was unveiled on behalf of the chief guest by Mr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Panel Chairman, Ward No. 07, Sreeula Union Parishad. The event was attended by ESDO project staff, local elites, NGO representatives, religious leaders, community members, and students.

During his speech, Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mr. Faysal Ahmed said “Today’s initiative marks a significant milestone for the people of Assasuni. For many years, coastal residents have been suffering from acute safe water scarcity due to salinity. The two modern water purification plants established by ESDO with the support of Muslim Aid UK Bangladesh Field Office will play an important role in improving public health, reducing women’s workload, and enhancing overall living standards. I hope the local water management committees will properly maintain the plants so that communities can benefit sustainably. The upazila administration will continue to extend its full cooperation.”

Mr. Tapan Sarker, Panel Chairman, Assasuni Union Parishad, stated “People in our union have long suffered from a lack of safe drinking water. Today, with the joint initiative of ESDO and Muslim Aid UK, the inauguration of this plant has brought new hope among the people. The Union Parishad pledges to work with the local committees and community to ensure sustainable operation of the plant.”

Mr. S. M. Monowar Hossain, Project Coordinator (Humanitarian), Muslim Aid UK Bangladesh Field Office, said “Muslim Aid UK Bangladesh Field Office has been working for years to improve the quality of life in coastal areas. Through ESDO’s effective implementation and active community participation, these plants will not only ensure access to safe water but also contribute to better health, time savings, and increased productivity for the local people.” Around one hundred people from different professions and social backgrounds attended the inauguration ceremony.