Approval Date: September 2019

The Pro-Poor Strategy for the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector in Bangladesh has been formulated in recognition of three key aspects. Firstly, it is essential to 'address the poverty directly' as the benefits of growth are not distributed equitably. Secondly, Safety Net measures for the hardcore poor households need to be undertaken along with the gradual reduction of the subsidies in line with the National Policy for Safe Water Supply and Sanitation 1998. Just after 2015 upon the introduction of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), remarkable changes happened in the development thought processes around the world. The government of Bangladesh has also formulated its Work Plan for SDG aligned with this. As a result, in addition to the previously recognized two aspects, a new third aspect has been included in this revised strategy for 2020. The third aspect is to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030 ensure the availability and sustainable management of safe water and sanitation for all with emphasis on 'leaving no one behind, for everyone everywhere always.