Date:
19 Feb' 2026Share:
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Flowing Forward is a new capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening the institutional capabilities of the water sector in Bangladesh. The project focuses on two key challenges: improving asset management within the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and enhancing the knowledge of public organisations to effectively develop and manage public–private partnerships (PPPs).
Flowing Forward strengthens Bangladesh’s water sector by improving asset management and building the capacity of public institutions to develop and manage sustainable public–private partnerships.
Why this project?
Bangladesh faces major water-related challenges: ageing infrastructure, climate change, and a rapidly growing demand for reliable water services. A previous study commissioned by RVO showed that current maintenance processes are not sufficiently geared towards the long term, that data and knowledge management are fragmented, and that financial resources are not being used optimally. In addition, research commissioned by the Netherlands Embassy indicates strong potential for collaboration with private parties. However, public institutions in Bangladesh currently lack sufficient experience to structure and manage PPP projects in a sustainable manner.
What makes this project unique?
Dutch and Bangladeshi partners jointly determine priorities, select case studies, and co-create training materials. A Project Coordination Group monitors progress and decides on the final structure of the programme following an inception period. The project places strong emphasis on national expertise: more than half of all training days will be delivered by Bangladeshi experts. During the project, 10–15 experts from Bangladesh will be trained as national trainers, ensuring long-term knowledge retention.
Intended results
The programme aims to contribute to stronger and more sustainable water management in Bangladesh. During the project, BWDB will receive support in embedding an asset management framework. Public organisations will be supported in independently developing PPP projects, and a national group of certified trainers will ensure continued knowledge transfer after project completion. Finally, the project emphasises gender equality in the selection of participants and trainers.
Project duration
The project will run from December 2025 to September 2027, with a strong focus on sustainable continuation by Bangladeshi partners once Dutch support concludes.
Partners for Water is a Dutch government programme enhancing water security internationally in long-term cooperation with local partners and the Dutch water sector. By facilitating strategic planning and support in the early stages of innovation, the programme aims to contribute to systemic change for sustainable water management and infrastructure. This is how we initiate impactful changes for a better living environment.
