On Friday, March 17, Hon. Minister Md. Tazul Islam, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, visited the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) to gain insights into AIT and the Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC) activities in Bangladesh. The AIT President, Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, and GWSC Co-Director, Prof. Sangam Shrestha, welcomed him during his visit.
GWSC briefed Mr. Islam on the support provided to “Digital to SMART Bangladesh” by strengthening and harmonizing existing public data systems through the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS), National Sanitation Dashboard (NSD), and integration between NSD and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) tracker for smooth data transfer and representation. GWSC also presented the current project with Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to develop a technical guideline for the citizens to manage on-site sanitation and a technological solution for authority to manage fecal sludge generated in Banani, Baridhara, Gulshan & Niketan areas.
Mr. Islam also visited AIT laboratories to learn about potential replication of water management modelling, prefabricated wastewater treatment products’ performance testing, proficiency testing and analytical laboratory activities in Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) as well as ongoing research performed by AIT students. The visit of Hon. Minister Md. Tazul Islam to AIT was a great opportunity to showcase the innovative solutions and is expected to lead to a more comprehensive and sustainable water and sanitation management system in Bangladesh. The event was also attended by Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director, International Affairs; Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director, Public Affairs; Ms. Indra Kumari, Senior Program Officer from the Office of International and Public Affairs.
