As Bangladesh shifts toward a greener and more climate-resilient future, financing for sanitation and waste management is becoming increasingly important. Guided by Bangladesh Bank’s initiatives and global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals and the Principles for Responsible Banking, green finance is gaining momentum. Yet, awareness, access, and implementation remain limited. Small businesses, informal workers, and local authorities in the sanitation sector often lack the support, information, and financial tools they need. This episode explores how green and sustainable finance can help scale up sanitation and circular economy solutions in Bangladesh. It looks into current policies, innovative financing models, and the roles of banks, development partners, municipalities, and entrepreneurs in building a more inclusive and effective system. The conversation also highlights how sanitation-related enterprises, waste workers, and climate-affected communities can access funding and take part in a just green transition. Guest: Khondkar Morshed Millat - Faculty Member, Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) Host: Alauddin Ahmed - Project Manager, ITN-BUET Fifth episode of the 7-episode discussion series "Faecal Sludge Management for Sustainable Sanitation" presented by Practical Action in Bangladesh in collaboration with Bangladesh FSM Network

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3 August, 2025

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

Bangladesh has made significant strides in sanitation, but the health and safety of sanitation workers remain a major concern. Many workers, including pit emptiers and waste handlers, labour without adequate protection, training, or access to healthcare, leaving them vulnerable to illness and injury. Tragically, some have lost their lives while carrying out these essential duties. A large number of sanitation workers belong to marginalised communities such as the Horijon and Dalit, and often lack formal employment rights, insurance, or social security.

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