On November 19, 2024, a rally and discussion meeting was organized at The Pole Star Municipal High School in Sultanpur, Satkhira, on the occasion of “World Toilet Day 2024.” The event aligns with the UN-declared goal of ensuring clean and accessible toilets for everyone by 2030. The theme for World Toilet Day 2024 was “Toilets: A Place of Peace”.
The rally began at The Pole Star Municipal High School, passed through Satkhira Press Club, and returned to the school. The program was presided over by the headmaster of the school, Mr. Anamikrishna Mondal. The event’s chief guest was Mr. Iftekhar Ahmed Khan, Executive Director of Hope for the Poorest (HP). Special guests included Mr. Md. Shafiqul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Satkhira Sadar Police Station, and Mr. A.K.M. Selim Al Reza, ADVM of ASA Khulna Division.
The event was attended by approximately 350 students, locals, sanitation entrepreneurs, and representatives of partner organizations. The speakers highlighted the significance of World Toilet Day. Chief Guest Mr. Iftekhar Ahmed Khan urged students to take a leading role in bringing about social change by using sustainable and hygienic toilets.
Special Guest Mr. Md. Shafiqul Islam emphasized that unhygienic toilets lead to the spread of waterborne and fecal diseases, whereas hygienic toilets ensure healthy living. He pointed out that a clean toilet reflects a person’s sense of hygiene and modernity. He also encouraged the audience to contact the police by dialing 999 for any law-and-order-related assistance.
Mr. A.K.M. Selim Al Reza elaborated on ASA’s initiatives beyond microfinance, including programs in health, education, agriculture, and sanitation. He reaffirmed ASA’s commitment to strengthening sanitation systems at both individual and entrepreneurial levels.
The president of the event, Mr. Anamikrishna Mondal, thanked the organizing organizations for their initiative to raise awareness about using hygienic toilets. He proposed arranging special awareness sessions for students in the future.
ASA, known for its microfinance programs, also implements various social development activities. Over the years, in collaboration with Hope for the Poorest (HP), ASA has executed projects to provide clean water, sanitation, health, and hygiene services to disadvantaged communities in Satkhira Municipality.
During project implementation, it was observed that raising awareness about water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) among disaster-affected and underprivileged communities is essential. Equally important is ensuring the adequate supply of sustainable WASH technologies by building the capacity of local entrepreneurs, expanding their businesses, and enhancing the purchasing power of customers through financial support.
To achieve these objectives, ASA, Hope for the Poorest (HP), and Water.org are jointly implementing the “Sustainable Sanitation and Safe Water Project” across Bangladesh.
As part of this initiative, the rally and discussion meeting for World Toilet Day 2024 were organized to raise awareness. Participants expressed their commitment to ensuring access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for all levels of the population in Satkhira.
