New IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) Chapter in Bangladesh

As part of the International Water Association’s (IWA) mission to empower Young Water Professionals (YWPs) in advancing sustainable water management, a new IWA YWP Chapter was proposed for Bangladesh. This chapter will serve as a national youth platform of Bangladesh to connect, support, and develop young professionals in the water sector, fostering inclusive growth, innovation, and evidence-based solutions aligned with national priorities and global commitments. 
As a voluntary and inclusive network, the Bangladesh YWP chapter will be open to water professionals aged 35 or below who are committed to addressing the country’s pressing water challenges.

Q: What is the motivation for establishing an IWA YWP Chapter in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh faces multidimensional water challenges despite significant progress in water and sanitation access. These challenges include arsenic contamination in groundwater affecting millions, salinity intrusion in coastal areas due to climate change, urban water stress and inadequate wastewater management, flooding and waterlogging in both rural and urban settings, and inequitable access to safe water and sanitation, especially for vulnerable groups. Although Bangladesh has made notable achievements in improving access, SDG 6.1 and 6.2 remain partially unmet, particularly in ensuring safe, managed drinking water services, equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, and inclusion of marginalised populations.
By 2050, increasing population density, rapid urbanisation, and climate change impacts are expected to intensify water stress and service delivery challenges. At the same time, there is a gap in skilled, innovative young professionals entering and advancing in the water sector.
Establishing an IWA YWP Bangladesh Chapter will strengthen national human resource capacity, equip youth with technical, leadership, and policy-relevant skills, promote youth-led innovation and interdisciplinary solutions, and create pathways for career development and sector entry. The chapter will also act as a bridge between academia, industry, and government, ensuring that emerging professionals contribute effectively to national development goals.
 

Q: How will the chapter empower YWPs to contribute to Bangladesh’s national water agenda?

Bangladesh’s development vision, including Vision 2041 and SDG commitments, emphasises safe water, improved sanitation, and environmental sustainability. The IWA YWP Bangladesh Chapter will align with these priorities through four key pillars:

Professional Development

The chapter will provide technical training on water quality, treatment, and distribution systems, capacity building in climate-resilient water management, workshops on inclusive sanitation design, and mentorship programmes connecting young professionals with senior experts. Special focus will be given to gender-sensitive water solutions and designing infrastructure accessible for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
 

Networking and Collaboration

The chapter will facilitate collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders, organise conferences and knowledge-sharing events, and promote interdisciplinary dialogue between engineers, public health experts, and policymakers. This will strengthen coordinated efforts toward safe drinking water access and sustainable sanitation systems.
 

Policy Advocacy and Youth Representation

The chapter will serve as a youth voice in national water governance by contributing to policy dialogues and consultations, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and advocating for inclusive policies that prioritise women’s safety in sanitation facilities, child-friendly WASH infrastructure in schools, and accessible services for elderly populations. By integrating youth perspectives, policies will become more forward-looking, inclusive, and adaptive.
 

Community Engagement and Outreach

The chapter will actively engage communities through awareness campaigns on safe water use, hygiene, and sanitation, training programmes on climate resilience and water conservation, and grassroots initiatives targeting women through empowering leadership in water management, children through school-based WASH education, and senior citizens through accessible and safe facilities. This directly supports behavioural change for improved hygiene practices and sustainable community-led water management.

Policy-Relevant Impact

For policymakers, the IWA YWP Bangladesh Chapter will provide a knowledge hub of young water experts, data-driven insights for evidence-based planning, support in designing inclusive WASH policies, and innovation pipelines for cost-effective and scalable solutions.
By integrating youth into decision-making processes, Bangladesh can accelerate progress toward universal access to safe drinking water and adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene.
 

Conclusion

The establishment of the IWA YWP Bangladesh Chapter represents a strategic investment in the country’s future. By empowering young professionals, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive participation, the chapter will strengthen Bangladesh’s capacity to address complex water challenges.
Ultimately, it will contribute to building a resilient, equitable, and sustainable water sector, ensuring that no one, especially women, children, and senior citizens, is left behind.
The chapter will also act as a bridge between academia, industry, and government, ensuring that emerging professionals contribute effectively to national development goals.

Meet the founding committee of the IWA YWP Bangladesh Chapter:

Sabrina Rashid Sheonty, Chair, IWA YWP Bangladesh
Co-founder and Director, Tetra Private Limited 

Sabrina Rashid Sheonty is a water resources engineer, researcher, and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of water, climate resilience, and sustainable development. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Water Resources Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and pursued her graduate studies from the University of Alberta, Canada, building a strong interdisciplinary background in water, climate, and environmental systems. Over the past seven years, she has contributed to a wide range of national and international projects across Bangladesh and North America, focusing on flood risk management, climate adaptation, safe drinking water access, WASH, and resilient infrastructure planning. Her research and professional work have resulted in more than 25 journal and conference publications in the fields of water, climate, and sustainability.  

Driven by a long-standing passion for solving water challenges, Sabrina co-founded Tetra Private Limited, a social innovation and water-tech startup dedicated to ensuring safe drinking water access for climate-vulnerable coastal communities in Bangladesh. Under her leadership, Tetra developed and implemented innovative solar-powered desalination and IoT-based smart water solutions that have improved drinking water access for thousands of people affected by salinity intrusion in coastal regions. The initiative also introduced community-based and women-led entrepreneurship models to promote sustainable and locally driven water management practices. Through these efforts, Tetra received the prestigious International Water Association Project Innovation Award and gained international recognition through collaborations and support from organisations, including Expo City Dubai Foundation, Aqua for All, USAID, and Young Water Solutions. In recognition of her efforts in the water sector and sustainable development, she became the first Bangladeshi citizen to receive the prestigious International Water Association Young Leadership Award 2024.  

As Chair of the IWA Young Water Professionals Bangladesh Chapter, Sabrina is committed to building the foundation of an inclusive and collaborative platform for the next generation of water leaders in Bangladesh. She envisions the chapter as a bridge connecting academia, industry, government, and communities to foster innovation, professional development, and youth-led action in addressing the country’s critical water and climate challenges. Through the chapter, she aims to strengthen technical capacity, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and create opportunities for young professionals to contribute meaningfully to sustainable and climate-resilient water management at both national and global levels.
 

Abu Touhid Hossain, Co-Chair, IWA YWP Bangladesh
Program Officer - Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions, Global Centre for Adaptation (GCA)

Abu Touhid Hossain is a climate resilience and water systems professional working at the intersection of science, policy, and investment. With experience across South Asia, Africa, and Europe, he has worked on climate risk, flood resilience, nature-based solutions, and water security with governments, development banks, and international organizations, including the Global Center on Adaptation, Asian Development Bank, and Climate Bonds Initiative. From river basins to resilient infrastructure, his work focuses on turning data and evidence into real-world impact.

As Co-Chair of the IWA Young Water Professionals Bangladesh Chapter, Touhid is passionate about building a new generation of water leaders who can think beyond traditional boundaries. He believes the future of water lies in bold ideas, cross-sector collaboration, and young professionals who are ready to challenge the status quo and lead change. 

Samia Rafa, Co-chair, IWA YWP Bangladesh
Technical Expert, WaterAid Bangladesh

Samia Anwar Rafa is an architect by training and a development professional currently working at the intersection of WASH and climate change. As a Technical Expert at WaterAid Bangladesh, she contributes to design innovation, capacity building, and youth leadership development, with a strong commitment to empowering communities and addressing critical gaps within the sector.
She is also the co-founder of the WaterWomen Network, a platform dedicated to amplifying young women’s voices in the water and climate sector. Rafa actively advocates for the rights to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene at both national and global levels — from national youth conferences to COP platforms. As a young water leader from Bangladesh, she was invited to deliver a keynote speech at Buckingham Palace, calling on governments to take stronger action to address the global water and climate crisis. Through her work and advocacy, she continues to promote inclusive leadership and meaningful youth participation in shaping sustainable futures.

Rafa believes young professionals have a critical role in driving inclusive and climate-resilient solutions for the future of the water sector.  As the Co-chair of the IWA Young Water Professionals Bangladesh Chapter, she is committed to opening doors for the next generation of water leaders.

Mubasshir Tahmid, Secretary, IWA YWP Bangladesh
Co-founder and Managing Director, Tetra Private Limited

Mubasshir Tahmid is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Tetra, a Bangladesh-based water-tech social enterprise working to address safe drinking water scarcity in climate-vulnerable coastal communities. He leads the organisation’s operations, strategy, and partnerships, focusing on scalable, community-centred water solutions powered by solar desalination, IoT-enabled water systems, and female micro-entrepreneurship models.

A graduate of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka, Mubasshir has represented Bangladesh in multiple international innovation and sustainability platforms. Under his leadership, Tetra received the International Water Association Project Innovation Award and secured global recognition through initiatives supported by Expo City Dubai Foundation, Aqua for All, USAID, and Young Water Solutions. He has also been recognised as a Global Innovator by Expo City Dubai Foundation during COP 28 and selected for international innovation and entrepreneurship programs, including UNLEASH and BRAC Frugal Innovation Fellowship.

Asif Hossain, Treasurer, IWA YWP Bangladesh
Assistant Manager (Investment), Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL);  Cofounder, Tetra

Asif Hossain is a finance professional and social entrepreneur based in Bangladesh, working at the intersection of sustainable project finance and access to safe water. He is Co-Founder of Tetra, a Bangladesh-based water tech startup that develops solar-powered reverse osmosis water treatment plants and water ATM systems serving coastal communities across the Khulna, Satkhira, and other southern regions of Bangladesh — one of the world's most climate-vulnerable deltaic regions. Concurrently, he serves as an Investment Professional at Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), where he structures and finances private-sector infrastructure projects. Asif's work is grounded in a conviction that access to finance, appropriate technology, and community-centred business models can together solve the water crisis in hard-to-reach coastal areas.
 

Fariha Islam Mou, Event & Outreach Director, IWA YWP Bangladesh
Lecturer, Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)

Fariha Islam Mou is a water resources and climate resilience professional working at the intersection of research, policy, and practice. She is currently a Lecturer at the Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), where she is involved in teaching, research, and capacity development in hydrology, climate change, and water resources management. Her research focuses on climate extremes, land-use change impacts, urban and coastal resilience, and nature-based solutions, using tools such as remote sensing, GIS, and climate modelling to generate evidence for informed decision-making.

Beyond academia, Fariha actively works to bridge the gap between theory and implementation by collaborating with a wide range of national and international organisations. She has contributed to projects and initiatives involving institutions such as BADC, DAE, LGED, FCDO, USAID, the World Bank, ADB, Forewarn, and local government bodies. Through these engagements, she has worked closely with policymakers, practitioners, and communities to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions for water management, disaster risk reduction, and climate adaptation.

As the Event and Outreach Director of the IWA Young Water Professionals Bangladesh Chapter, Fariha is passionate about fostering knowledge exchange, building interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating platforms for young professionals to engage with real-world water challenges. She is committed to strengthening connections between academia, industry, and communities to promote sustainable and resilient water management practices in Bangladesh and beyond.

Faisal Mahmood Shovon, Publishing Director, IWA YWP Bangladesh
PhD Researcher, Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Munster Technological University, Ireland

Faisal is currently pursuing his PhD in flash flood mechanism investigation in Irish catchments. He holds an M.Sc. degree in "Flood Risk Management" and a B.Sc. in “Water Resources Engineering” and professional experience in the field of water resources with multinational consultants in South Asia, focusing on environment, climate change and water management, hydrology, flood risk modelling & mapping and socio-economic assessments.

He has five (5) years of work experience in the water and environment sector and has worked with different national and international stakeholders at different levels. I worked on different water and sustainability projects in Canada, Europe, and Bangladesh. His career objective is to research, design, and develop innovative and creative solutions to sustainable natural resource development throughout the globe. The research interests and expertise involve remote sensing and GIS, data analytics for disaster risk assessments, hydrology, and urban drainage systems; hydrological and hydrodynamic modelling, socio-economic assessment of flood risk and vulnerability; nature-based solutions; ecohydrology; and environment & climate change.

Faisal is also contributing as a young, enthusiastic professional in the fields of water, environment and climate change. He is one of the leading youth Climate Cohort fellows and practitioners in the Climate Action Champions Network (CACN), 2022-2023, South Asia. He believes that we need to control rapid urbanisation and land-use planning and reduce climate vulnerability by increasing resilience and following the global SDG goals to mitigate climate change effectively.
 

Md. Jibon Ahmed, Publishing Director,  IWA YWP Bangladesh
Sub-Assistant Engineer, Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE)

Md. Jibon Ahmed works as a Sub-Assistant Engineer in the Research and Development Division at the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) under the Ministry of LGRD & Cooperatives, Bangladesh. He is focusing on groundwater, surface water, Air-conditioner condensate, rainwater, wastewater, microbial disinfection, and air quality-related research work in his current workplace. In addition, he is leading Dhaka International University (DIU) as a Deputy Campus Ambassador from Workplace Skills Development Academy (WSDA), New Zealand. Moreover, he is guiding more than 10 thousand people to prepare them for the job preparation update circular through a Facebook group. Besides this, he is a reviewer of 03 nos reputed journals. He has conducted profound research in the water and climate sectors over the last 2 years and published more than 05 technical journal and conference papers till now.  

As a Publishing Director of the IWA Young Water Professionals Bangladesh Chapter, His role involves spearheading technical solutions, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring reliable water infrastructure for people. Passionate about youth empowerment and water sector advancement, Jibon Ahmed is committed to promoting innovation, leadership, and professional excellence among emerging water professionals in Bangladesh. 
 

Md. Tanvir Ahmmed, Communication Director, IWA YWP Bangladesh
M.Sc. Engineering in Disaster Risk Reduction Science (ongoing), BUET-Japan Institute of Disaster Prevention and Urban Safety (BUET-JIDPUS), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) 

Md. Tanvir Ahmmed is an environmental engineering researcher and practitioner specialising in water resources, environmental pollution, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure development. He is currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Disaster Risk Reduction Science at the BUET-Japan Institute of Disaster Prevention and Urban Safety, under the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. He completed a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering at the University of Asia Pacific, with research focused on microplastic pollution in the Shitalakshya River. His research interests include climate resilience, water and wastewater treatment, microplastic pollution, nature-based treatment systems, and sustainable construction materials, with a strong commitment to advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6.

He previously worked as a Research Coordinator at TETRA, a WASH Engineer at the Illiteracy and Poverty Alleviation Assistance Organisation, and a Field Evaluator for WaterAid Bangladesh, gaining experience in environmental monitoring, water infrastructure, sanitation assessment, and community-based WASH implementation. He has contributed to seven journal and conference publications on microplastic pollution, wastewater treatment, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure.
As Director of Communication for the IWA Young Water Professionals Bangladesh Chapter, he promotes knowledge exchange, research communication, and collaboration among young professionals, researchers, and practitioners in the water and environmental sectors.

Shabbir Karim Rudro, Partnership Director, IWA YWP Bangladesh
Cofounder and Technical Director, Tetra Private Limited

Shabbir Karim Rudro is a co-founder of Tetra and has been working in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) sector for the past eight years. His work is driven by a simple interest in solving real problems through practical engineering and technology. At Tetra, he focuses on developing and implementing smart water solutions, particularly around IoT-based monitoring and data systems that help make water infrastructure more reliable and easier to manage.

He graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2018 and later completed his M.Sc. in Automotive Engineering from RWTH Aachen University, Germany. Beyond the technical side of his work, Shabbir enjoys connecting with people across different sectors and learning from diverse perspectives. Over the years, he has built close working relationships with professionals from NGOs, academia, and industry, and values collaboration as an important part of creating meaningful and scalable solutions.

Currently, as Partnership Director of the newly established International Water Association (IWA) Young Water Professionals (YWP) Bangladesh chapter, he is working to build stronger connections among young professionals in Bangladesh’s water sector and create more opportunities for collaboration, exchange, and shared learning.

Anika Nawer Meem, International Collaboration Director, 
PhD. Student, University of British Columbia (UBC)

Anika Nawer Meem is a water and environmental engineering researcher and PhD student at the University of British Columbia, specialising in sustainable water treatment, membrane technologies, and nature-inspired environmental systems. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), where she developed a strong foundation in water resources and environmental engineering. Her work focuses on developing innovative materials and passive water-driven cooling technologies to address challenges at the water–energy–climate nexus, including water reuse, urban heat mitigation, and resource-efficient building systems. With a background in civil and environmental engineering, Anika is committed to advancing resilient and sustainable water solutions through interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, and collaboration between academia and industry.
 

Sakib Mahmud, Social Media Director, IWA YWP Bangladesh
Assistant Chief, National River Conservation Commission, Bangladesh

Sakib Mahmud serves as the Assistant Chief (Environment and Ecology) at the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC), where he works to advance climate-resilient river management and integrate environmental priorities into national development strategies. He has collaborated with global institutions, including IUCN and the International Water Association (IWA), and actively engages in climate leadership as a 2024 Leader in the UNDP-supported Regional Youth Parliament for Climate Action. 

Sakib has completed prestigious training under Oxford’s Net Zero initiative and SANDEE–ICIMOD in Environmental Economics, and is currently continuing his capacity-building journey as a selected participant in the Young Water Diplomat Program organised by UNESCO-IHE Delft. His recent research on social safety nets for climate victims in coastal Bangladesh emphasises the urgency of community-based adaptation (CBA). Sakib is passionate about bridging grassroots realities with national and global policy processes, promoting inclusive, nature-based solutions to strengthen resilience in the face of climate-induced challenges.

Mehedi Hasan, Membership Director, IWA YWP Bangladesh
Research Fellow, Tetra Pvt. Ltd.

Mehedi Hasan is a water enthusiast and emerging environmental professional who believes that research, collaboration, and community engagement are the most powerful tools for driving meaningful change in the water and environmental sector. He channels this conviction through his work as a PhD researcher in Biochemical Engineering at Lakehead University, Canada, where he develops innovative, sustainable solutions at the intersection of waste valorisation, circular economy, and environmental technology. 

Mehedi brings a strong foundation of applied research experience to his work. He has been serving as a Research Fellow at Tetra Pvt. Ltd. and, before that, as a Research Assistant at the ITN-BUET, where he contributed to national and international projects addressing critical water and environmental challenges. His contributions are evidenced by several peer-reviewed publications spanning water quality monitoring, wastewater treatment, and waste management work that have informed both scientific knowledge and practical solutions across the sector. Beyond research, Mehedi is a dedicated community leader. He serves as Vice President of the Lakehead University Graduate Students' Association and President of the Lakehead University Bangladeshi Students' Association, and was honoured with the Lakehead University Leader Award in recognition of his contributions to leadership and community development. 

As Membership Director of the IWA Young Water Professionals, Mehedi is committed to strengthening professional networks, nurturing the next generation of water leaders, and fostering inclusive, collaborative action toward a more sustainable and water-secure world.
 

Md. Sakib Hossain, Member-at-large, IWA YWP Bangladesh
Senior Research Officer, icddr,b

Mr Md. Sakib Hossain is currently serving as a Senior Research Officer at the Laboratory of Environmental Health in icddr,b. He specialises in water quality assessment and environmental microbiology, with extensive experience in the analysis of drinking water, wastewater, faecal sludge, and diverse environmental samples. His research focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), environmental dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and molecular microbiology approaches for pathogen detection and characterisation. He is skilled in advanced microbiological and molecular techniques, including qPCR, PCR, microbial culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and molecular characterisation of clinically and environmentally important microorganisms, including nosocomial pathogens. His work integrates environmental surveillance, public health microbiology, and molecular diagnostics to support evidence-based interventions for water, sanitation, and health-related challenges in low-resource and humanitarian settings. 

Faria Tasnim, Member-at-large, IWA YWP Bangladesh
Training Specialist, International Training Network of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (ITN-BUET)

Faria Tasnim is a  young civil engineering professional working at the intersection of water & sanitation, humanitarian response and climate resilient infrastructure development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a Master's in Structural Engineering. Over the past 8 years, she has worked with leading national and international organisations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), World Food Programme (WFP), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation across South Asia on transformative development and humanitarian initiatives. Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to leveraging engineering knowledge and innovation to improve the lives of vulnerable and marginalised communities.

She worked with the Danish Refugee Council, contributing to resilient shelter and WASH infrastructure design for displaced Rohingya populations in one of the world’s largest humanitarian settings in Cox’s Bazar. Under a WFP-funded project, she worked on disaster risk reduction initiatives in the hilly regions of Bangladesh, focusing on sustainable water, sanitation and infrastructure solutions. Currently, Faria is serving as “Training Specialist” at ITN-BUET under the Gates Foundation project focusing on institutional capacity building on inclusive sanitation and waste management for Local Government Institutions and Government Agencies in Bangladesh and Nepal, targeting SDG 6. 

She has played a significant role in developing several national-level learning packages on WASH under World Bank- and IsDB-funded initiatives. Her contributions extend to action research, policy dialogue and international knowledge-sharing platforms, through which she has disseminated several research and case studies in UN forums and across countries, including Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, etc. Till date, she has published 12+ government-endorsed capacity-building modules and 5+ journal and conference articles. 

As an IWA Young Professional, she is committed to advancing cross-country knowledge exchange, strengthening evidence-based water and sanitation governance through youth engagement, mentorship and collaborative learning for sustainable and equitable development outcomes.

Ayesha Sharna, Member-at-large, 
Water Resources Engineer, Spekter GmbH.

Sharna is an Environmental Engineering professional with over 9 years of experience in Water resource management, flood modelling, urban drainage, WASH, and climate resilience, working across Bangladesh, Sweden, and Germany. Her expertise extends from policy to model to infrastructure for governments and communities across three countries, with a technical toolkit including 1D-2D coupled flood modelling using MIKE+, water distribution and sewer network design with Bentley WaterGEMS, Mike+ and EPANET, stormwater quality analysis with StormTac, and spatial analysis using ESRI ArcGIS.She has delivered flood risk assessments for 25+ municipalities across Germany and led modelling projects for Swedish municipalities, including Järfälla and Nynäshamns. 

Besides modelling, Sharna has hands-on experience in Project Coordination and Management, Technical Proposal Development, Infrastructure development projects in Sweden, Water Transmission and Distribution Systems Design and Modelling, and Water Hammer Analysis. Sharna has contributed to policy frameworks for Faecal Sludge Management (IRF-FSM), co-developed Climate Resilient Water Safety Plans (CR-WSP) with WHO and DPHE, and produced project proposals that secured funding from the World Bank, ADB, UNICEF, and BMGF, Integrated Municipal Information System (IMIS) in Sylhet, Khulna and Gazipur, IFSTS in Rohingya camps, etc.