Dhaka: Speakers at a meeting in the city on Sunday said that rising concentration of manganese found in drinking water in many areas of the country poses a threat to the mental development of children.

Expressing concern, they said the increased amount of manganese in water could reduce children’s IQ (intelligent quotient) as well.

The speakers said it is essential to ensure testing of drinking water on a regular basis.

NGO Forum, a leading NGO, organised the experience-sharing meeting, titled ‘Efforts to Ensure Safe Water through Water Quality Testing Service’, at the DPHE Auditorium at Kakrail in the city.

Chaired by Stamford University Bangladesh vice chancellor professor Dr. M. Feroze Ahmed, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Dr. Mahfuzar Rahman, program head of research and evaluation division of  BRAC, professor Dr. Kazi Matin Ahmed and Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam.

Making a presentation on the issue Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine and Public Health of Newcastle University, Australia, said that around 10 percent of maternal deaths have been occurring due to Hepatitis E in Bangladesh.

He opined that 10-12 percent of maternal deaths could be stopped just by ensuring safe water.

Dr Milton emphasised ensuring people-friendly water quality testing services for the rural people.

He said water quality should be given priority for any drinking water option including improved technology for safe water coverage.

NGO Forum executive director S.M.A. Rashid mentioned that they have set up a laboratory in August 2000 considering the inadequate international standard water quality testing facilities available to general people.

It is equipped with sophisticated scientific instruments that can test water samples using a total of 41 parametres, he said.