The Government of Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have launched a new initiative today at Department of Public Health Engineering to improve solid waste management and essential healthcare services in the Rohingya camps and host communities of Cox’s Bazar, with implementation support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).  

The project aims to enhance existing systems, ensure efficient service delivery, and strengthen long-term resilience.

UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller and Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) Chief Engineer Md. Abdul Awal signed the agreement in the presence of Amit Datta Roy, Senior Project Officer (Urban Infrastructure) of Asian Development Bank. 

The signing ceremony formalized a partnership to extend the lifespan of critical WASH and solid waste management facilities established since the 2017 influx. The project titled “Solid Waste Management and Healthcare Support Project in Rohingya Camps and Host Communities, Cox’s Bazar” will prioritize maintenance, operational efficiency, community engagement, and capacity transfer to national systems as international resources gradually decline.

Reflecting on the partnership, Stefan Liller noted, “This is the first agreement of its kind, and we are fully committed to delivering it with the highest priority. We see enormous potential in this triangular partnership, and UNDP will put its full energy, expertise, and dedication behind ensuring timely, effective results for the Government of Bangladesh and for the communities we serve.”

Amit Datta Roy highlighted the urgency of rapid implementation, stating, “With the project timeline narrowing, we must now move quickly and deliver all key activities efficiently. We look forward to strong collaboration with the Government and UNDP—not only for this project but also for future initiatives already in the pipeline.”

Md. Abdul Awal emphasized its long-standing cooperation with UNDP, noting decades of joint efforts on safe water supply, sanitation, hygiene promotion, climate resilience, and strengthening local institutions. “Today’s agreement reinforces our shared commitment to resilience, inclusiveness, and innovation,” said the Chief Engineer.

The new project aims to strengthen DPHE’s leadership in delivering risk-informed, high-quality WASH and solid waste services in Baharchhara Union and across the Rohingya camps. It will ensure continued functionality of essential WASH facilities and focus on improving community practices, with targeted awareness campaigns to promote safe waste management habits among residents and school children.

Ehteshamul Russel Khan, Additional Chief Engineer, DPHE, Md. Moniruzzaman, Program Analyst, ADB and Sardar M. Asaduzzaman, UNDP Bangladesh Assistant Resident Representative, Kirtijai Pahari, Strategic Communications and Outreach Specialist, UNDP were among the many who joined the signing ceremony.

Through this strengthened partnership, Bangladesh aims to protect essential services in the camps and host communities while laying the foundation for resilient, sustainable systems that will endure for years to come.