Cities across Bangladesh are grappling with a significant shortage of public sanitation facilities, leading to a range of health and safety issues for residents. In Dhaka, the capital, only 131 permanent public toilets and 17 mobile units are available, far below the estimated need of 1,500. This shortfall has forced many, particularly women, to limit fluid intake to avoid the need for restrooms, contributing to urinary tract infections and other health complications. Additionally, the lack of adequate facilities exposes individuals to discomfort and potential dangers while seeking relief, and the pervasive scent of urine in some urban areas highlights the scale of the problem.

Given the magnitude of the deficit, government resources alone are unlikely to bridge the gap in the near term. Experts and advocates suggest innovative approaches to address the issue, drawing on examples from cities worldwide. In places such as Guatemala, the United States, Vietnam, Mexico City, Istanbul, and various Latin American countries, public toilets are often clean and maintained, sometimes operating as pay toilets with attendants who provide access and supplies like toilet paper for a nominal fee or tips. Ensuring that fees remain low is considered critical to avoid deterring usage.

Accessibility is another key concern, with calls for more facilities designed to accommodate people with disabilities. Marketplaces and shopping malls are encouraged to provide restrooms as a standard amenity. Some proposals include establishing a publicly advertised hotline for reporting dirty, unsafe, or unavailable restrooms, enabling prompt action through fines imposed by mobile courts to ensure timely maintenance by the facilities’ operators.

Public-private partnerships and collaboration with non-governmental organizations specializing in sanitation have also been identified as viable strategies to expand and maintain urban toilet infrastructure. However, these arrangements require robust monitoring to ensure standards are upheld.

Advocates emphasize the classification of public toilets not merely as urban amenities but as essential rights and necessities. Properly maintained and widely accessible facilities contribute to public health and hygiene while fostering respect and responsible use among the population. As Bangladesh continues to urbanize rapidly, addressing the shortage of safe, clean sanitation options remains a pressing priority.