The National Parliament on Wednesday approved the “Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026”, introducing significant changes to the governance structure of WASA bodies and granting the government expanded authority over key appointments and administration.
The bill was placed in the Parliament by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Mir Shahe Alam and passed with majority support.
It amends the existing Water Supply and Sewerage Authority Act, 1996, incorporating new provisions aimed at ensuring continuity of services and administrative control during what the government termed “special circumstances.”
Under the amended law, the government has been empowered to appoint or remove managing directors (MDs) of WASA entities without prior notice or the need to show cause, if deemed necessary in the public interest. Similar authority has also been extended to cover the appointment and removal of all officers and employees within these organisations.
Additionally, the amendment authorises the government to dissolve the Board of Directors of any WASA body. In such cases, an interim committee may be formed with a specified number of members to carry out the functions and exercise the powers of the board.
Officials said the new provisions - introduced through Sections 28A, 30A and 42A - are intended to address administrative stagnation and ensure uninterrupted service delivery. The bill also validates earlier steps taken under the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024, which came into force on 24 October 2024.
Explaining the rationale behind the amendment, the state minister said that following the political changes in August 2024, several WASA bodies faced operational disruptions due to the absence or non-functioning of key officials, including managing directors and board members. This, he noted, led to serious setbacks in essential public services such as water supply and sewage management.
He added that the amendment was necessary to restore administrative efficiency and maintain public services in major metropolitan areas where WASAs operate, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet.
The government may also appoint special committees to assist WASA authorities in carrying out their functions where required, according to the new law.
Officials believe the changes will strengthen oversight and help ensure uninterrupted delivery of water and sanitation services across urban centres.
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