FSM Network organized the Review Workshop & Annual Global Meeting during November 6th – 7th in Dera Resort, Manikganj. As a founding member ITN-BUET provided technical assistance in holding the event. Director of ITN-BUET Prof. Dr. Tanvir Ahmed presented on the theme- ‘Encourage uptake and Integration of CWIS in national, city and municipality planning processes’, in the Session ‘Progress sharing on Thematic Working Group’. The thematic presentation was led by ITN-BUET and SNV Netherlands organization in the workshop. Dr. Tanvir’s presentation outlined the roles of ITN-BUET, government agencies, municipalities, academia, I/NGOs, municipal association of Bangladesh (MAB) and private sectors in the FSM ecosystem. His presentation highlighted how Institutional and Regulatory Framework (IRF) for FSM, sanitation knowledge repository and National Action Plan (NAP) are closely associated with the journey and success in the FSM sector in Bangladesh. Dr. Tanvir also emphasized the importance of knowledge dissemination in various forms such as technical reports, training modules, manuscripts and conferences for shaping the future of FSM.
On the final day of the workshop, Project Manager, ITN-BUET, Mr. Alauddin Ahmed facilitated the brainstorming session ‘Moving Forward Plan’ consisting of group works on FSM Network Strategy. Two groups, one on ‘climate change and sanitation’ and the other on ‘private sector engagement in sanitation business’, worked on their topics and then presented them to the audiences. Technology & Knowledge Management Specialist, ITN-BUET, Dr. Asef Redwan participated in the Climate Change group, and exchanged his ideas on climate-resilient sanitation with professionals from FSM network member organizations. This session was very lively and resulted in some final action plans for the FSM network for 2025-2026 time period. The workshop was followed by Annual General Meeting where costed action plan was presented. The network leaders provided their opinion and guidance to finalizing the action plan.
The FSM Network leaders Ms. Hasin Jahan, Country Director, WaterAid Bangladesh; Mr. Md Shahidul Islam, Sector Lead-Water, SNV and other representatives from FSM Network member organizations including Athena Infonomics, NGO Forum, BASA, SKS, Verk, FINISH Mondial, SDC, WSUP and World Vision were present in the event. Mr. Ayan Banerjee and Mr. Rakesh Supkar from Practical Action Regional Directorate also shared their views in terms of similar NFSSM alliance in India. The closing remarks were made by Ms. Israt Shabnam, Country Director of Practical Action Bangladesh.
