A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed on 21 July 2026 between the International Training Network Centre of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (ITN-BUET) and the Centre for Infrastructure Research and Services (CIRS) at North South University (CIRS-NSU), establishing a framework for strengthened institutional collaboration in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector in Bangladesh.
The MoU aims to promote collaboration in joint research, knowledge exchange, capacity development, professional training, and collaborative initiatives in the areas of water supply, sanitation, environmental engineering, and sustainable infrastructure services.
Prof. Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz, Director of ITN-BUET, and Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor of North South University, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of their respective institutions. The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Minhaz M. Shahriar, Director of CIRS and Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, North South University, Kazi Amin, Knowledge Management Specialist of ITN-BUET and Mr. Alauddin Ahmed, Project Manager of ITN-BUET, who signed the agreement as witnesses.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration in key areas, including joint research, capacity building, knowledge exchange, professional training, academic enrichment, laboratory collaboration, and the development of external funding opportunities. The partnership will promote collaborative research on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), water supply, environmental sanitation, environmental engineering, and other infrastructure-related fields while facilitating the exchange of technical expertise, research facilities, and knowledge resources between the two institutions.
As part of the collaboration, ITN-BUET and CIRS-NSU will jointly organize training programmes, workshops, seminars, conferences, and technical events aimed at strengthening the capacity of students, researchers, practitioners, and sector professionals working in relevant sectors. Both institutions will also collaborate in developing research proposals, conducting laboratory and field-based studies, producing scientific publications, and generating knowledge products that contribute to evidence-based policy and practice in Bangladesh’s WASH and infrastructure sectors.
The MoU will remain effective until 31 December 2028, with opportunities for renewal upon mutual agreement. Designated focal person from both institutions will coordinate and facilitate the implementation of collaborative activities, ensuring effective communication and successful execution of the partnership.
This collaboration marks an important step toward strengthening research, innovation, and professional capacity in Bangladesh’s WASH sector. By bringing together the complementary expertise of ITN-BUET and CIRS-NSU, the partnership is expected to contribute to sustainable development through evidence-based solutions for water supply, sanitation, environmental engineering, and resilient infrastructure services.
