IFAD Country Director Dr Valantine Achancho met with Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today at his office at the Secretariat. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Mar 9, 2026 (BSS) – Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today sought effective cooperation from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for the development of the rural population of Bangladesh.

He particularly emphasized the need for the agency’s support in improving safe water management in rural areas.

The minister sought this cooperation when IFAD Country Director Dr Valantine Achancho paid a courtesy call on him at his office at the Secretariat, said a PID release.

He said the government is implementing various programmes to improve the living standards of the rural population of Bangladesh. In this regard, IFAD’s cooperation in ensuring and improving the management of safe water supply can play an important role, he added.

During the meeting, the IFAD Country Director reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working jointly with the Bangladesh government to address the impacts of climate change and support communities affected by natural disasters.

Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan and Director General of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing Md Mahmudul Hasan were present.