A high-level delegation from the Government of the Netherlands visited the (Proposed) Dhaka Canals Project site at Kallyanpur Pump Station yesterday, 17 November, marking a significant step toward expanding Dutch–Bangladesh cooperation in urban water management through public–private partnerships (PPP) and innovation-driven investment.
Led by Pascalle Grotenhuis, Vice-Minister for International Cooperation of the Netherlands, the delegation included senior representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN). H.E. Joris van Bommel, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, also took part in the visit along with other officials.
Senior officials from the Government of Bangladesh—including Ms. Mahbuba Airin, Joint Secretary (LGD); Mr. Mohammad Azaz, Administrator (DNCC); and Brig. General Md Moin Uddin, Chief Engineer (DNCC), Md. Farhad, Superintending Engineer (Civil) (DNCC) —joined the field visit and roundtable dialogue. The event was coordinated by RedOrange Communications, led by Managing Director Arnob Chakrabarty.
The roundtable discussion, “Transition of Dutch–Bangladesh Water Cooperation: Activating the Partnership(a) with/ between Private Sector for Urban Water Management in Bangladesh,” explored opportunities for joint private sector engagement, PPP models, and technological solutions to improve urban drainage, waste, and wastewater management. The Netherlands reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the shift from traditional development aid to sustainable, business-driven partnerships.
Speaking about Dhaka’s urban water challenges, Mr. Azaz said, “Our water sector issues require both rapid and long-term sustainable solutions. Strengthening the capacity of our local experts is essential, and the Netherlands can support us in this effort. Since city corporations cannot directly receive foreign grants, PPPs offer a practical mechanism to design and implement effective solutions.”
Expressing the Netherlands’ continued commitment, Ms. Grotenhuis stated, “Our relationship with Bangladesh is long-standing. We are deeply committed to contributing to solutions for the country’s water sector challenges. Where needed, we are ready to engage with other development partners so that together we can support effective and coordinated outcomes.”
The delegation underscored that the piloting done under the PLEASE project and the upcoming Dhaka Canals Project reflect growing alignment between Dutch expertise and Bangladesh’s policy priorities, including the implementation of the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation, expand private-sector participation, and pursue scalable solutions for a more resilient urban future.
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