The Arsenic Policy Support Unit (APSU) was established by the Government of Bangladesh in 2003 with support from the Department for International Development (UK). The unit was set-up to help support coordination in addressing arsenic and in supporting research and training to help answer key questions and support Government and NGO staff in promoting effective and sustainable arsenic mitigation. APSU also plays an important role in liaising with development partners.
APSU is under the Local Government Division of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Cooperatives. The Joint-Secretary (WS) of Local Government Division is the APSU Coordinator and Project Director and the Secretary Local Government Division is the Chairman of the Steering Committee. There is a full-time international specialist and local consultant. Other short-term consultants are employed on a task basis.