The national closing ceremony of Right2Grow — a landmark collaborative initiative in the nutrition, health, and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) sectors — was held on Sunday at Hotel Le Méridien, Dhaka.
Organised by the Right2Grow Country Consortium, led by Max Foundation Bangladesh, the event brought together senior government officials, development partners, UN agencies, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, and community leaders from across programme areas.
Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary, Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, attended as Chief Guest. Special Guests included Annelies Kanis, Global Lead, Right2Grow Consortium and Country Director, The Hunger Project Netherlands; Osman Haruni, Senior Policy Advisor, AFS&TBD, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Dr. Md. Rizwanur Rahman, Director General, Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC); Kh. Md. Nazmul Huda Shamim, Joint Secretary, Local Government Division (LGD); and Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder, Member, National Nutrition Council (NCC).
In his opening remarks, Dr. A.T.M. Tariqul Islam, Chairperson of the Right2Grow Country Steering Committee and Country Director of Max Foundation Bangladesh, said, "Right2Grow has shown how the government, civil society, and local communities can work together to bring sustainable improvements to child and maternal nutrition, health, and sanitation."
The day-long event featured three thematic sessions:
Evidence to Action Session — focused on Public-Private Partnership for WASH–Nutrition Services Sustainability, featuring panellists from the University of Dhaka, Embassy of the Netherlands, PPP Authority, DPHE, Action Against Hunger, UNICEF, and SMC. It was moderated by Shumon Sengupta, Country Director, Save the Children Bangladesh.
Way Forward Session — themed Institutionalisation of WASH–Nutrition Budget and Expenditure Management at LGI Level, included panellists from BNNC, LGD, The Hunger Project, World Vision, and DORP, with Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, Director General, Health Economics Unit, Ministry of Health, presenting the session summary.
The closing session featured reflections from community representatives, local leaders, and Health Promotion Agents (HPAs) who shared success stories on improved WASH–nutrition practices. A Recognition and Appreciation Awards Ceremony honoured local government bodies, partners, and community champions for their leadership in advancing integrated health and nutrition outcomes.
Dr. A.T.M. Tariqul Islam concluded the event with a vote of thanks, acknowledging all stakeholders and emphasising the importance of sustaining multi-sector collaboration beyond the project period.