Approval Date: November 4, 2017

The achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) is a priority function of the Government Republic of Bangladesh. In line with this objective, this initiative of the Local Government Division is undoubtedly commendable. This document, "Institutional and Regulatory Framework for Faecal Sludge Management," provides a guideline for implementing faecal sludge management. It builds upon a comprehensive framework for consistent and harmonized interventions maintaining pace towards faecal sludge management. The National Action Plan NAP) for Paurashavas has been developed to rapidly implement the IRF-FSM in all 329 Paurashavas in Bangladesh by 2030. The National Action Plan (NAP) for Paurashavas includes specific actions for relevant stakeholders at both are national and Paurashava levels, where the institutional roles and responsibilities are assigned based primarily on current roles played by different Ministries and Departments of Government, as well as by the development partners/banks, I/NGOs, and other stakeholders. The national-level action plan includes the responsibilities of national-level institutions, with a special focus on facilitating the Paurashavas to undertake all required actions at the field level to ensure that FSM infrastructures and services are in place within a specified time, according to the IRF-FSM. The Action Plan also includes specific responsibilities of Paurashavas for implementing FSM services.