The consultations convened representatives from local government institutions (LGIs), local-level entrepreneurs and service providers and relevant government officials to explore practical pathways for private sector participation in improving water and solid waste management services. The events aimed to strengthen coordination, trust, and accountability between LGIs and local-level entrepreneurs, recognising the private sector’s potential to contribute to more efficient and sustainable service delivery at local level. Consultations were held between October and November 2025 in Satkhira and Naogaon. Across these five events alone, around 200 participants joined the discussions. The sessions featured presentations and facilitated discussions around enabling legal and policy environment for public-private collaboration, and practical examples of national and global partnership models of Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Participants also discussed the importance of business formalisation through trade licensing, both as a legal requirement and as a mechanism to support compliance, local revenue mobilisation, and improved accountability.
A key component of the consultations was participatory group work, where participants identified barriers and proposed solutions tailored to local-level realities. Discussions highlighted that Union Parishads often lack clear and practical guidelines for engaging private sector actors in public service delivery, while business owners remain reluctant to obtain and renew trade licenses, creating compliance gaps and limiting local revenue generation. Participants also noted that women entrepreneurs face additional barriers in accessing trade licenses, particularly in Paurashava areas, and that business owners are not consistently included in LGI decision-making processes. At the same time, participants emphasised that regular follow-up meetings can strengthen coordination and trust between entrepreneurs and LGIs, while access to finance remains a persistent challenge for entrepreneurs working in water and waste management services.
Local government representatives underscored the importance of shared responsibility in improving public services. In Assasuni, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer noted the potential of private sector actors to support public service delivery when coordination improves and emphasised the importance of maintaining and renewing trade licenses as part of lawful business practice. In Shyamnagar, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer highlighted that public awareness and stronger LGI–private sector coordination can contribute to improved public service outcomes and broader local development priorities. Building on the local-level consultations, a national-level engagement will be convened with the Local Government Division (LGD), business associations, and relevant stakeholders to present the findings to address the identified challenges. Moving forward, the initiative will continue to facilitate coordination, capacity strengthening, and engagement opportunities to translate consultation outcomes into locally led solutions for water and solid waste management services.