Speakers on Monday said that active involvement from the private sector is crucial for the sustainable expansion and improvement of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)–nutrition services.
They made the remarks at the national closing ceremony of Right to Grow, a major multi-stakeholder collaborative initiative in the nutrition, health, and WASH sectors, held at Hotel Le Meridien in Dhaka.
They noted that institutionalising the successful approaches and lessons of Right to Grow within government frameworks and community-led local systems will play a crucial role in Bangladesh’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event was organised under the leadership of Max Foundation Bangladesh on behalf of the Right to Grow Country Consortium.
Senior government officials, representatives from development partners, UN agencies, the private sector, civil society organisations, and community leaders from programme areas attended the event.
Md Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
Special Guests included Annelies Kanis, Global Lead of the Right to Grow Consortium and Country Director of The Hunger Project Netherlands; Osman Haruni, Senior Policy Adviser, Embassy of the Netherlands; Dr Md Rizwanur Rahman, Director General of the Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC); Khandaker Md Najmul Huda Shamim, Joint Secretary, Local Government Division; and Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Member, National Nutrition Council.
Among others, Suman Sengupta, Country Director, Save the Children in Bangladesh; Prashanta Tripura, Country Director, The Hunger Project Bangladesh; Mohammad Aqmal Sharif, Country Director, Action Against Hunger; and Chandan J. Gomez, Senior Director – Operations, World Vision Bangladesh were present, along with senior representatives of consortium and partner organisations.
Dr A.T.M. Tarikul Islam, Chairperson of the Right to Grow Country Steering Committee and Country Director of Max Foundation Bangladesh, said: “Right to Grow has demonstrated that sustainable change in child and maternal nutrition, health and sanitation is possible when government, civil society and local communities work hand in hand.”
The day-long event featured three key sessions. The inaugural session showcased the journey, achievements, and lessons of the programme, presented by Iqbal Azad, Team Lead of the Right to Grow Consortium. The session concluded with closing remarks from His Excellency Joris van Bommel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh. A short video titled “Stories of Change: Impact in Motion” and an Impact Gallery exhibition were also presented.
The second session focused on “Institutionalising WASH–Nutrition Budgeting and Expenditure Management at Local Government Level.”
The discussion featured Prof. Dr Syed Abdul Hamid, Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka; Osman Haruni, Senior Policy Adviser, Embassy of the Netherlands; Md Emtiazul Hasan Majumdar, PPP Specialist, Public–Private Partnership Authority; A.H.M. Khalekur Rahman, Superintending Engineer, Store Circle–Dhaka, DPHE; Mohammad Aqmal Sharif, Country Director, Action Against Hunger; Mohammad Monirul Alam, WASH Specialist, UNICEF; and Dr Salah Uddin Ahmed, Additional GM, Star Network (SMC).
The session was moderated by Suman Sengupta, Country Director, Save the Children in Bangladesh.
The third session explored “Institutionalising WASH–Nutrition Budgeting and Expenditure Management at LGI Level,” featuring Dr Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Director, BNNC; Md Najmul Huda Shamim, Joint Secretary, LGD; Prashanta Tripura, Country Director, The Hunger Project Bangladesh; Chandan J. Gomez, Senior Director – Operations, World Vision Bangladesh; Dr Md Muhsin Ali, Public Health and Nutrition Specialist; and Mohammad Zobayer Hasan, Deputy Executive Director, DORP. The session was moderated by Dr Md Enamul Haque, Director General, Health Economics Unit, MoHFW.
The afternoon’s closing session brought together beneficiaries, Union Parishad chairmen, civil society leaders, and health promotion agents. A “Recognition and Appreciation Award” ceremony honoured partner organisations, local champions, and community innovators for their outstanding contributions.
Dr Tarikul Islam thanked all partners and called for continued collaboration to sustain and scale up the achievements of Right to Grow in the years ahead.