South Asia
Can you drink tap water in Bangladesh?
NoNo, drink bottled
Can you drink the tap water in Bangladesh?
Don't drink the tap water. Tap water is unsafe, including in Dhaka. Drink sealed bottled or filtered water; arsenic affects some rural groundwater.
Key facts
- Safely managed drinking water: 59% of people (2024, WHO/UNICEF JMP).
Tap water by place in Bangladesh
| Place | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaka | No, drink bottled | Don't drink tap water or ice. Use sealed bottles; hotels and cafés provide filtered water. |
| Cox's Bazar | No, drink bottled | Don't drink tap water or unknown ice. Use sealed bottled water and eat seafood at busy places. |
Tap water by place
Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water
- US State Department travel advisory
- Bangladesh Online Visa Portal
- Bangladesh Railway e-ticket
- Speedtest Global Index: Bangladesh
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.