BRAC Bank partners with water.org to expand wash financing

BRAC Bank and Water.org have entered into a partnership to expand access to safe water and sanitation across Bangladesh.

The collaboration strengthens BRAC Bank's Social Bond initiative and marks a significant step towards scaling Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) financing nationwide.

BRAC Bank was the first bank in Bangladesh to introduce dedicated water and sanitation financing through its partnership with Water.org in June 2024. Since then, the bank has expanded access to affordable credit for water and sanitation solutions, enabling small entrepreneurs, microfinance institutions, and rural households to invest in safe drinking water and improved sanitation. The initiative has already generated meaningful public health benefits in underserved communities.

Beyond WASH access, BRAC Bank's Social Bond framework aims to promote wider social development across the country. Eligible project categories include CMSME financing and employment generation, socioeconomic advancement with a focus on women's empowerment, food security, affordable housing, and essential public services such as healthcare infrastructure.

The Social Bond to be issued by BRAC Bank will mobilise capital to expand access to essential services and strengthen inclusive economic growth.

Priority financing will support CMSMEs  , particularly women-owned enterprises, along with agriculture, healthcare, and WASH-focused projects.

With a rapidly expanding portfolio in water and sanitation financing, the bank has already supported thousands of families and entrepreneurs in gaining access to safe water and improving their quality of life. The renewed partnership with Water.org will allow BRAC Bank to reach even more communities that continue to face barriers to safe water and sanitation.

The signing ceremony was held on 17 November, 2025, at BRAC Bank's head office. It was attended by Syed Abdul Momen, additional managing director and head of SME banking at BRAC Bank, and Sajit Amit, executive director (South Asia) at Water.org.

Commenting on the partnership, Syed Abdul Momen said, "Our Social Bond will create the scale needed to expand WASH financing and deliver deeper social impact. By pioneering water and sanitation finance with Water.org, we aim to build an inclusive banking model that improves lives and uplifts communities across Bangladesh. This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth."

Water.org is a global nonprofit organisation dedicated to developing market-driven solutions to help families secure affordable loans for water and sanitation. The organisation has enabled 60 million people across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to gain access to safe water and improved sanitation.