In a major step towards advancing safely managed and inclusive sanitation in Bangladesh, the International Training Network Centre of BUET (ITN-BUET) and FINISH Mondial Bangladesh (FMBD) signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) on 7 January 2026. The agreement aims to accelerate safely managed sanitation, integrated WASH solutions, and knowledge sharing through capacity building, research, and field-based innovation.
The SPA was formally signed by Professor Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz, Director of ITN-BUET, and Wahida Anjoom, Country Coordinator & Executive Director of FMBD, signifying a long-term commitment to collaborative action in advancing sustainable and inclusive sanitation services. The partnership brings together ITN-BUET’s academic and technical expertise with FMBD’s operational experience in sanitation financing, climate-resilient WASH technologies, and integrated fecal sludge management (FSM) and solid waste management (SWM).
Through this collaboration, ITN-BUET will spearhead the development of training modules, capacity-building workshops, and applied research focusing on Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS), FSM, climate-resilient sanitation infrastructure, and circular sanitation economy. FMBD will contribute field-tested solutions, implementation models, and innovative financing mechanisms to support scalable and sustainable sanitation interventions across municipalities.
The partnership will further facilitate exposure visits, pilot innovative sanitation technologies including decentralized wastewater treatment systems and bio-toilets and provide hands-on technical guidance to local governments and WASH practitioners, contributing to strengthened institutional capacity and long-term urban sanitation outcomes.
“This SPA reflects our joint vision to link academic research with practical implementation to deliver safe, inclusive, and sustainable sanitation solutions across Bangladesh,” said Professor Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz. Wahida Anjoom added, “Together, we aim to enhance access to safely managed sanitation, foster financial inclusion in WASH, and strengthen the capacity of local governments and communities for long-term impact.”
The partnership will also engage in policy dialogues, evidence-based advocacy, and knowledge dissemination to support national sanitation strategies and SDG 6 targets. The SPA is set for an initial period of two years, until December 2027, with the potential for extension based on mutual agreement. By bridging technical research, capacity building, and practical field experience, ITN-BUET and FMBD aim to create a replicable model for improving urban sanitation and water services in Bangladesh, contributing to a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient urban future.
