FSM Network Bangladesh

15/03/2026

An open letter recently circulated within the FSM community is urging development banks to adopt this systems-thinking approach. WSUP and FSM Network support this call, and we encourage others to do the same.

For too long, the conversation around FSM has been dominated by infrastructures and logistics. Treatment plants are constructed, vacuum trucks are procured, ribbon-cutting ceremonies held, but many soon sit idle or underutilized.

The good news is that some models exist to show what is possible. Public- private partnerships like SWEEP, pioneered with city authorities and entrepreneurs, have proven that safely managed FSM can also be a viable business.

As we are in the middle of a new phase of FSM investment in Bangladesh, we must be clear-eyed about what works and what does not. Intrastructure 1s necessary, but it is not sufficient.
Uttam Saha

07/10/2025

🌍 Don’t miss out on the CWIS Learning Forum Webinar!
Join sanitation experts and alliances from across South Asia as they share insights, best practices, and scalable solutions for inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient sanitation. Learn from Bangladesh, India, and Nepal’s experiences, participate in interactive discussions, and discover opportunities to replicate successful approaches in your context.
👉 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫: https://dasra-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/8I5klN1oRhqkRxAFsR8JWA

10/08/2025

🎧 Ep 7: Overcoming the Odds in Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTP) Management

Urban Bangladesh is growing fast but managing the waste from millions of pit latrines and septic tanks remains a huge challenge. Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) are part of the solution, yet many struggle with technical, financial, and institutional barriers.

In the final episode of our 7-part series, presented by Practical Action in Bangladesh in collaboration with the Bangladesh FSM Network, we explore how innovation, partnerships, and better coordination can turn these challenges into opportunities.

Guest: Fariduzzaman Shapon - Project Manager, Practical Action in Bangladesh
Host: Samia Anwar Rafa - Technical Officer, WaterAid Bangladesh
🔗 https://youtu.be/jr4-KFL2SBU?si=9nwch1IUG7_UV5rZ

With rapid urbanisation in Bangladesh, over 30% of the population now lives in urban areas, but sanitation infrastructure often struggles to keep pace. While...

07/08/2025

🎧 Ep 6: Towards Safer Working Conditions for Sanitation Workers in Bangladesh

Sanitation workers face daily risks, often without protection, rights, or access to healthcare. Many belong to marginalised communities and remain vulnerable.

In Episode 6 of “Faecal Sludge Management for Sustainable Sanitation,” we explore ways to safeguard their safety and dignity through collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society.

Guest: Md. Tanvir Ahamed Chowdhury – Business Advisor, SNV
Host: Samia Anwar Rafa – Technical Officer, WaterAid Bangladesh

📌 Presented by Practical Action in partnership with the Bangladesh FSM Network.
https://youtu.be/CR_8IzUNvd4?si=jZ725FyrzrVgv1wV

Bangladesh has made significant strides in sanitation, but the health and safety of sanitation workers remain a major concern. Many workers, including pit em...

04/08/2025

Ep 5: Future of Sanitation Financing in Bangladesh
Green finance is vital for scaling sanitation and waste solutions in Bangladesh. But many small businesses and workers still lack access to funding and support.

In our latest podcast episode, we explore policies and innovative models helping build a greener, inclusive future.

Guest: Khondkar Morshed Millat - Faculty Member, Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM)
Host: Alauddin Ahmed - Project Manager, ITN-BUET

Listen to episode 5 of “Faecal Sludge Management for Sustainable Sanitation” by Practical Action in Bangladesh and Bangladesh FSM Network.

https://youtu.be/mrVt0mu7W9g?si=fv965m7ly8xB0YHz

As Bangladesh shifts toward a greener and more climate-resilient future, financing for sanitation and waste management is becoming increasingly important. Gu...

30/07/2025

Ep 4: Strengthening Sanitation in Bangladesh Through Capacity Building

How can we build stronger systems for safe sanitation in Bangladesh? This episode explores the power of capacity building, from training professionals to strengthening policies, data, and community engagement.

Guest: Dilruba Farzana - Deputy Project Director, Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE)
Host: K. A. Amin - Knowledge Management Specialist, ITN-BUET

Part of the 7-episode discussion series "Faecal Sludge Management for Sustainable Sanitation," by Practical Action Bangladesh and Bangladesh FSM Network.
Watch here https://youtu.be/bKEMvtqY_cU?si=Hc4u54yiewrAH4M3

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The UN's SDG 6 Synthesis Rep...

29/07/2025

🎧 Episode 3: Securing Social Security for Waste and Sanitation Workers in Bangladesh

Waste and sanitation workers do important and risky jobs, but many still don’t have access to basic social protection. In this episode, we talk about how the government, private sector, and local authorities can help change that through microinsurance, CSR, and better policies.

Guest: Md. Tahmidul Islam, Director, Technical Services – WaterAid Bangladesh
🎙 Host: Alauddin Ahmed, Project Manager – ITN-BUET

listen here https://youtu.be/4nig5nXXvM0?si=3_f_IVlyQZM0F8qj

Across Bangladesh, thousands of waste and sanitation workers carry out essential yet hazardous jobs that keep our cities clean and healthy. Despite their vit...

27/07/2025

🎧 Episode 2 is Live: Lives and Livelihoods of Sanitation Workers
Dive into the daily realities of sanitation workers in Bangladesh, and discover how policy, innovation, and collective action can drive meaningful change.

Guest: Uttam Kumar Saha, Country Manager (Bangladesh), WSUP
Host: Alauddin Ahmed, Project Manager, ITN-BUET

https://youtu.be/GDlFC4J7nuQ?si=CVeYlOOldpSdefNY

This is part of our 7-episode series “Faecal Sludge Management for Sustainable Sanitation,” brought to you by Practical Action Bangladesh and the Bangladesh FSM Network.

In Bangladesh, sanitation workers are often labelled with derogatory terms that carry deep social stigma and strip them of dignity. Whether formally employed...

22/07/2025

🎙️ Ep 1: Dignity, Livelihoods, and Rights of Sanitation Workers in Bangladesh

We are pleased to launch the first episode of our 7-part discussion series on Faecal Sludge Management for Sustainable Sanitation in Bangladesh. This episode sheds light on the everyday realities of sanitation workers , the health and social risks they face, the lack of recognition and rights, and the urgent need for systemic change to ensure dignity and decent livelihoods.

Guest: Ishrat Shabnam, Country Director – Practical Action Bangladesh
Host: Alauddin Ahmed, Project Manager – ITN-BUET

📢 A collaboration between Practical Action in Bangladesh and Bangladesh FSM Network.

🔗 https://youtu.be/S9fj7MQnfLA?si=0kmhaaqQgOJWn8yu

In Bangladesh, waste and sanitation workers play a critical role in keeping cities clean and safe. However, they are often among the most marginalised. Many ...