Staff Reporter:
Highlighting progress and partnerships in sanitation, the closing ceremony of the National and Bilateral WASH Advocacy (NaBWASHA) Project was held at a hotel in the capital on Thursday.
WaterAid Bangladesh hosted the ceremony celebrating the achievements of the initiative and facilitating dialogue on advancing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services in Bangladesh.
The event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and WASH experts to reflect on the project’s milestones, discuss challenges, and reinforce commitments to sustainable sanitation solutions.
The programme commenced with registration and networking, creating an environment for participants to connect and share insights. This was followed by a warm welcome from Azman Ahmed Chowdhury of WaterAid Bangladesh. Md Tahmidul Islam, also from WaterAid Bangladesh, delivered an insightful presentation about the project, outlining its objectives, accomplishments, and contributions towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
A highlight of the ceremony was the panel discussion and reflections, moderated by Md Tahmidul Islam. Distinguished panelists included Md Shafiqul Hassan from the CWIS-FSM Support Cell of the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), and Alauddin Ahmed from the International Training Network of BUET.
The discussion delved into the practical applications of the project’s outcomes, addressing the need for collaborative strategies to overcome existing and emerging challenges in the sanitation sector. The panel underscored the importance of innovative solutions and multi-stakeholder engagement in achieving long-term impact.
Md Fazlur Rahman, Managing Director of Dhaka WASA and Additional Secretary (Water Supply), Local Government Division (LGD) graced the occasion as the chief guest.
During his speech WASA’s MD highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening WASH systems in Bangladesh.
He said, “Local government institutions like municipalities, city corporations often overlook the quality of service they provide while putting much emphasis on revenue generation. They should change this mentality, and reach out to the citizens as they are the tax-payers.”
He also emphasized the ongoing efforts towards strengthening the service delivery mechanisms of Dhaka WASA to increase its transparency and governance.
The guest of honour, Tushar Mohon Shadhu Khan, DPHE’s Chief Engineer emphasised the importance of multisectoral partnerships in ensuring equitable access to sanitation services.
He said, “It is important that we consider waste and solid waste management with every water distribution network provided in the municipalities. The way the NaBWASHA project brought upon systematic change and development in sanitation practice is highly praiseworthy.”
He also highlighted DPHE’s approach of integrating multi-stakeholders, especially municipalities, for making the city-wide inclusive sanitation sustainable.
This closing ceremony was presided by Hasin Jahan, Country Director of WaterAid Bangladesh.
