Bangladesh continues to invest substantially in water infrastructure. However, critical assets such as embankments, canals, and sluice gates often suffer from inadequate maintenance, leading to deterioration and repeated reconstruction. This recurring pattern, known as the Build, Neglect, Rebuild (BNR) cycle, creates significant financial and institutional challenges for the water sector.
To address these challenges, a study commissioned by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and conducted by Innovision Consulting examined the institutional, financial, and operational factors contributing to the BNR cycle. Through stakeholder consultations, the study identified structural barriers, opportunities for institutional change, and practical interventions, resulting in a draft reform roadmap for sustainable water infrastructure management.
The National Stakeholder Validation Workshop, scheduled for 10 November 2026 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka, will bring together senior government officials, development partners, water sector professionals, and other stakeholders to discuss the findings, validate proposed strategies, and identify priority actions. The study findings, key challenges, and proposed reform pathways will be presented by Md. Rubaiyath Sarwar, Managing Director, Innovision Consulting.
A key highlight will be the panel discussion, “Identifying Priority Themes for Future Engagement,” featuring Dr. Robin Kumar Biswas, Additional Chief Engineer (Planning), BWDB; Dr. Md Shibly Sadik, Senior Water Resource Policy Advisor, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Dr. Mohammad Jashim Uddin, Deputy Secretary, Finance Division, Ministry of Finance; and Mr. Romano Radjkoemar, Country Director for Bangladesh, Vitens Evides International (VEI). The session will be moderated by Tasmiah Tabassum Rahman, Portfolio Director, Innovision Consulting.
Through presentations, panel discussions, and participatory group activities, the workshop aims to validate the proposed reform roadmap, strengthen institutional collaboration, and identify practical steps towards sustainable water infrastructure management in Bangladesh.
Explore the workshop presentations, study findings, proposed reform roadmap, and related event materials through the links below.
Report: Systems mapping report for BWDB
Presentation: Why the BNR Cycle Exists and Why it Must be Addressed
Presentation 2: How to Break the BNR Cycle – The Road Map and Phased Action Plan
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