Dhaka, Jan 01 (V7N) – The High Court has declared free and safe drinking water a fundamental right of every citizen under the Constitution of Bangladesh.

The full 16-page verdict, delivered by a bench of Justice Md. Ashraful Kamal and Justice Kazi Waliul Islam, was published on Thursday (January 1).

Earlier, the High Court delivered the landmark judgment on February 27, 2025, following a suo motu rule issued in 2020 to ensure safe drinking water for all citizens. The rule sought clarification on whether providing safe drinking water is a responsibility of the state and whether access to such water can be declared a fundamental right.

After completing the final hearing, the High Court pronounced its verdict on February 27.

In the judgment, the court stated that access to safe and pure drinking water falls under Article 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life. Therefore, ensuring safe drinking water is a constitutional obligation of the state, and every citizen is entitled to this right.

The verdict is being seen as a historic decision that strengthens citizens’ rights and places a clear responsibility on the government to ensure safe drinking water across the country.

END/SMA/AJ