Taqsem A. Khan

Taqsem Khan is the Managing Director and CEO of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Bangladesh. Taqsem is a Visionary Leader and a successful reformer who made dramatic reform named “Dhaka WASA Turn Around Program” for last 10 years and converted a losing organization into a profitable, environment friendly, sustainable, pro-people and good governance public sector water utility in Southeast Asia by increasing production, increasing revenue income 3 times, reducing NRW from 40% to 7% in DMA area, reducing operating ratio to 0.66, introducing paperless e-billing system, ensuring water for all including low income community with 98% revenue collection.

According to the Development Partners assessment, under the leadership of Taqsem, Dhaka WASA has become a Role Model water utility in the public sector of Southeast Asia.

Taqsem is a frequent speaker on water supply and sewerage related issues at national and international media. He is also an active participant and leader at various professional seminars and workshops.

Taqsem has 37 years of vast management experience. He obtained his Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Moscow, USSR in 1981, and started his professional career with PHILIPS Bangladesh Ltd. as Production Engineer.

From 1988 to 1998 Taqsem worked in the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), as Chief Engineer. Prior to joining WASA in 2009, Taqsem was involved with different NGOs in USA and Bangladesh from 1999 to 2008 and also worked as Senior Management Consultant in a Management Training Company.

Besides professional engagement, Taqsem is an environment activist and expert who is also one of the founder member of BAPA, Bangladesh Environment Movement.

SESSIONS

Tuesday 9th May, 11:15 – 12:45: Roundtables – 40 Crucial Questions for Water in 2023