A Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) was formalized between the International Training Network Centre of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (ITN-BUET) and the Center for Smart Infrastructure. Resilience and Sustainability at United International University (CSIRS-UIU) to strengthen Bangladesh’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. The agreement was signed on April 12, 2025, at the UIU Campus, United City, Madani Avenue, Dhaka-1212.
Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz, Director of ITN-BUET, and Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman, Director of CSIRS-UIU, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions.
“Undergraduate students don’t usually pay much attention to the WASH sector, but it actually holds a lot of promise when it comes to building a solid career,” said Dr. Mamtaz, highlighting the untapped potential for young professionals. “Capacity building has massive professional potential. And it’s not just for civil engineering students—computer science and other departments can benefit a lot from it too,” she added.
“Building capacity at the national level is essential if we want to ensure safely managed sanitation for everyone,” said Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman. “At CSIRS-UIU, we’re committed to driving innovation and research that can support sustainable sanitation solutions and strengthen national capacity,” he added.
The SPA outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration in key areas, including capacity building, advocacy on sector issues, action research, academic enrichment, and the pursuit of external funding opportunities both within Bangladesh and internationally.
The three-year partnership remains flexible, allowing scope for exploring different avenues of collaboration with appropriate due diligence. Each organization has appointed designated focal persons to facilitate the effective execution of joint activities.
The signing ceremony was graced by Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kashem Mia, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, United International University. The notable attendees of the ceremony were Dr. Md. Zulfiqur Rahman, Registrar, United International University, Dr. Afzal Ahmed, Head, Dept. of Civil Engineering, United International University, Mr. Alauddin Ahmed, Project Manager, ITN-BUET and Deans of various faculties, Heads of departments, Directors of Centers, faculty members, and senior officials from both institutions, reflecting the strong institutional support behind the partnership.
This strategic collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the national development agenda and support sustainable urban and rural transformation across Bangladesh.
