Access to safe water, improved sanitation, and good hygiene remains a significant challenge for many vulnerable communities in Mymensingh and Sherpur districts. In areas affected by arsenic contamination, inadequate sanitation facilities, and limited access to safe drinking water, these challenges continue to undermine health, dignity, and overall wellbeing.
To address these issues, Islamic Relief Bangladesh is implementing the Sustainable & Inclusive WASH Solution in Bangladesh (SUPEO) project with support from Islamic Relief Germany. Running from January 2026 to June 2027, the 18-month initiative aims to strengthen access to sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services across six unions in Dhobaura Upazila of Mymensingh and Nalitabari Upazila of Sherpur.
Our Approach
SUPEO combines infrastructure development, hygiene promotion, and community-led management to ensure long-lasting improvements in WASH services.
Safe Water Access
The project is expanding access to safe drinking water for vulnerable households through the installation of submersible pumps in plain-land areas and solar-powered water supply systems in hard-to-reach hilly communities. These investments are designed to serve households that have long struggled with unsafe or unreliable water sources.
Climate-Resilient Sanitation
To improve sanitation outcomes, the project is supporting vulnerable households with inclusive, climate-resilient twin-pit latrines, helping reduce open defecation and improve public health while ensuring greater dignity and safety for women, children, older people, and persons with disabilities.
Hygiene Promotion
Alongside infrastructure support, the project is promoting positive hygiene behaviours through community awareness sessions covering handwashing, safe water handling, menstrual hygiene management, and proper latrine maintenance. Hygiene and dignity kits are also being distributed to participating households to support healthy practices.
Community Ownership and Sustainability
A key focus of SUPEO is strengthening local capacity to manage and maintain WASH facilities. The project has established community-based management structures, trained local caretakers, and strengthened Union-level sanitation platforms to ensure services remain functional and community-owned long after project completion.
Strengthening Local Water Infrastructure
As part of ongoing implementation, Islamic Relief Bangladesh has distributed essential water infrastructure and installation materials to participating communities. These supplies, including water tanks, submersible pumps, pipes, and distribution components, are helping establish reliable and sustainable water systems while equipping local communities to manage and maintain them effectively.
Expected Impact
Through SUPEO, more than 12,900 people from vulnerable households, including women, men, children, and persons with disabilities, are expected to benefit from improved access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services. The project will contribute to reducing waterborne diseases, improving health outcomes, enhancing dignity, and building stronger, more resilient communities across Mymensingh and Sherpur.
By combining infrastructure, behaviour change, and community leadership, SUPEO is helping create lasting solutions that leave no one behind.