A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between University of Dhaka and WaterAid Bangladesh for the construction and maintenance of a public toilet in TSC Chattar at Vice Chancellor’s Office today (7 February, 2016 Sunday). This public toilet, supported by WaterAid Bangladesh & H&M Conscious Foundation will have separate male and female chamber, hand washing facilities, sanitary napkin etc.
Professor Dr Md Kamal Uddin, Treasurer, University of Dhaka and Dr Md Khairul Islam, Country Representative, WaterAid Bangladesh signed the MOU on behalf of their respective organisation. Honourable Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique and WaterAid’s Global Chief Executive Barbara Frost, Chair of Board of Trustees Tim Clark and Anna Segall – Trustee member who are on an official visit in Bangladesh were also present in this signing ceremony.
Though within the last decade Bangladesh has become an open defecation free country, increasing the sanitation coverage from 34 percent to 99 percent in household level but ensuring WASH in institution and public domain is still a big challenge. In response with that, WaterAid Bangladesh is advocating to go beyond building toilets to climbing up the sanitation ladder, with long-term support and shared investment involving government, development partners, civil society, the private sector and communities.
On this event Barbara, Chief Executive WaterAid said, “I am delighted to see such an initiative being taken in a place of historical value and I believe it will set an example itself for the community.”
Professor Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique, Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Dhaka University said, “Dhaka University has always played a decisive role in making a difference and it is essential to strengthen the participation of youth, as important actors for bringing change in the community.”