Toilets at a Tap: Tech Tackles Town Hygiene

To make the public sanitation system in Dhaka more technology-driven and citizen-friendly, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched a new mobile app named “Jabo Kothay?” (“Where to Go?”). On 19 November, Wednesday, on the occasion of World Toilet Day, the app was inaugurated at Shyamoli Park by DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz.

During the event, the DNCC Administrator said that this app would bring Dhaka’s public sanitation system into a new era. He emphasized that it is not possible for the government alone to do everything—such social initiatives are extremely important. The two city corporations aim to construct nearly 650 modern toilets across the city.

Hasin Jahan, Country Director of WaterAid Bangladesh, said that if citizens maintain discipline in using public toilets just like they do at home, it will be easier to sustain the quality of these services.

With WaterAid’s collaboration, Bhumij has developed the “Jabo Kothay?” app. Available on Google Play Store, the app helps citizens locate the nearest public toilets. It provides information on opening hours, photos, service descriptions, digital payment options, cashless entry via QR-code scanning, and a “Star Rating System” under WaterAid’s Path-er Dabi initiative to evaluate cleanliness, safety, and service quality. Users can make informed decisions, while operators are encouraged to maintain high service standards.

On the occasion of World Toilet Day, WaterAid Bangladesh handed over five mobile toilets to DNCC, which will be installed in busy areas of the capital. These will provide safe and reliable sanitation facilities for working people, low-income citizens, and particularly women.

Present at the event were Bhumij CEO Farhana Rashid, Executive Director of Desthya Health Center (DSK) Dr. Dibalok Singh, and officials from both city corporations.

DBTech/Bani/IK/OR