Mongla, Aug. 5 (V7N) — The Bangladesh Coast Guard has inaugurated a modern water purification plant in the remote coastal area of Joymonir Ghol in Mongla, aiming to improve access to safe drinking water for residents living in one of the country's most saline-prone regions.
The facility, installed on the premises of Joymonir Ghol Government Primary School, was officially opened on Tuesday by Captain M. Mesbaul Islam, Zonal Commander of the Coast Guard West Zone Headquarters (Mongla). Senior Coast Guard officials and local representatives attended the inauguration ceremony.
The newly established plant is expected to provide clean and safe drinking water not only to the school's students, teachers and staff but also to thousands of nearby residents who have long struggled with shortages of potable water due to high salinity in the coastal environment.
Speaking after the inauguration, Captain Mesbaul Islam said the Coast Guard remains committed to protecting the Sundarbans through continuous law enforcement operations.
"We conduct round-the-clock operations in the Sundarbans to combat criminal activities. As a result, we have been able to suppress nearly 99 percent of forest-related crimes," he said.
He added that certain groups were attempting to spread misinformation to undermine the Coast Guard's operations because intensified enforcement had disrupted illegal activities linked to the Sundarbans.
"Our objective is to keep the coastal region safe. We urge people not to believe or spread false rumours and to cooperate with the Coast Guard in protecting the Sundarbans from criminal elements," he said.
Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, the Coast Guard's Media Officer, said the initiative forms part of the government's broader public welfare programme aimed at improving living conditions in coastal and riverine communities.
"The installation of this modern water treatment plant will ensure access to safe drinking water for students, teachers, school staff and surrounding residents. It is also expected to help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and promote healthier living in the community," he said.
He added that the Coast Guard would continue implementing similar humanitarian initiatives to support vulnerable coastal populations across Bangladesh.
The country's southwestern coastal belt, including Mongla, has long faced acute shortages of fresh drinking water because of salinity intrusion caused by tidal flooding, climate change and sea-level rise. Access to reliable sources of safe water remains one of the region's most pressing public health challenges.
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