The ITN-Bangladesh is established at the Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET). The Centre is functioning with financial assistance of DANIDA.

Aims and aspirations
The primary goal of ITN-Bangladesh is to achieve an improved human resource base that promotes sustainable development of water supply and sanitation. It strives for expansion of knowledge base through networking.

Capacity building within WSS
Capacity building within WSS sector is the main focus of ITN-Bangladesh. Human resources development (HRD) to support WSS sector activities in the country is an important element in this arena from national perspective. Primarily through an approach of skill transfer from all dimensions, be it with social, technical, institutional front, etc. development of this national element, i.e., 'capacity building' is being persued by ITN Center. Conceptually ITN Bangladesh renders its services on a multiplier effect. It takes care of curricula and syllabi; produces master trainers; develops teaching and training materials; develops R&D skill in the sector relating to socio-economic context of the country

ITN centre and its bridging role

The ITN Center has successfully actuated the bridging role between 'academic & research institution' and 'management & implementing organizations' and it strives to create opportunities for the academicians and implementers to come up in a common forum and work hand in hand for the WSS sector. This approach not only helps gradually overcoming their respective deficiencies but also contributes to the sustainable development of the sector. By now the ITN Center has emerged as capacity building tool in the WSS sector, that emphasizes the aforesaid bridging role as the prime strategic approach.

The horizon of ITN Resource pool
The ITN renders its services through active participation of the members of its resource pool. The academicians, researches, implementers, planners, decision-makers and sector specialists drawn from a wide range of institutions from accross the sector constitute the ITN resource pool. In terms of institutions almost all stakeholders have representations in the resource pool and therefore are recognized as "Associates of ITN". The principle of composing the resource pool makes it vibrant that ensures polarization of commendable professionals in the sector and academicians.

Strategic approach in transferring skills
ITN adopts the concept of multiplier effect in transferring skill to various stakeholders for building capacity in the sector. In training arena ITN is selective in setting its target groups. ITN produces master trainers who in turn provide training to their respective target groups and so on. Similarly specialised courses in response to emerging needs are organised for the key sector personel from various organisations. Research activities are focused towards development and refinement of innovative low-cost technologies to bring out solutions to critical issues in the sector. ITN attaches importance to its sector support activities extended to various stakeholders particularly to the Local Government Division of the Ministry of LGRD and Cooperatives, which helps policy and decision making process. Through national and international workshop and seminars ITN facilitates knowledge sharing and its expansion. The most important aspect is the reorientation of course curricula in technical education for water supply and sanitation and development of textbook conducive to Bangladesh context. The WSS sector gets direct benefit from the services of graduates and technical personnel with proper orientation in line with country's needs. In order to address critical issues such as 'arsenic' menace in the country ITN offers lead role in the technical front. It reviews various lessons in the sector and disseminates lessons learnt.

Strategic Input

• ITN provides the following strategic inputs to bring in changes in WatSan and ensure its sustainability:
• Re-orientation of environmental engineering curricula and syllabi to address the need of the WSS sector;
• Publication of textbook to support reoriented curricula;
• Publication of relevant document to fill knowledge gaps;
• Training courses on special topics of emergent needs and for developing trainers to support HRD in the WSS sector;
• National and international workshop and seminars to promote knowledge sharing and dissemination;
• Scientific and applied research to support WatSan sector.

Area of specialization / focus

• Human Resources Development for WSS Sector;
• Appropriate Technical Education for Sustainable Development of WSS
• Quality Scientific and Applied Research in WSS on Current Issues
• Organizing national and international workshop and seminars on subject of importance.
• Information Dissemination.

Associates of ITN-Bangladesh
Academicians, researchers and sector professionals from across the sector constitute the resource base of ITN and are recognized as Associates of ITN-Bangladesh. Profesionals, academicians and researchers who are in one way or another involved in water supply and sanitation sector development and have masters degree in any discipline may become an Associate of ITN. Interested persons need to apply along with a CV. Eligible applicants will be communicated officially and their names will be maintained in ITN roster. Associates are entitled to take part in the events organized by ITN that are related to their respective disciplines.

ITN Governing Body
ITN Centre operates under the strategic guidance of its Governing Body chaired by the Vice Chancellor of BUET with members from key stakeholders. The Governing Body reviews 'workplans and budgets', 'progress reports' towords meeting major milestones, and make strategic decisions.