Innovation in sanitation is in great demand for ensuring public health, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable development goals. Achieving safely managed sanitation for all requires continuous innovation, collaboration, and context-specific solutions. ITN-BUET set the stage for innovation by hosting a technical session on “Fostering Innovation to Accelerate Safely Managed Sanitation for All.”. The session chaired by Prof. Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz, Director of ITN-BUET and Co-chaired by Dr. Aysha Akter and was moderated by Mr. Md Azizur Rahman, Research Officer (Technical/Research) at ITN-BUET. The session focused on sanitation challenges, innovative and sustainable technological advancements, and future strategies.
Prof. Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz, in her keynote presentation highlighted global sanitation coverage, demand for improved sanitation and various technologies being implemented in different parts of the world including Bangladesh. She also talked about urgent need for proper sanitation in urban areas due to the rapid urbanization, climate change and lack of infrastructure. In addition, she outlined Bangladesh’s journey from MDGs to SDGs with a particular focus on SDG 6.2.
Subsequently, sector experts from academia, DPHE, Pourashava got engaged in a Panel discussion. Prof. Dr. Nehreen Majed, Professor and Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at UAP, emphasized the need to engage local experts and incorporate new materials to ensure long-term system functionality. Mr. Md. Shafiqul Hassan from the CWIS-FSM Support Cell, DPHE, highlighted how DPHE operates across Bangladesh, effectively managing fecal sludge at minimal cost. Mr. Khan Mohammad Faravi, Poura Nirbahi Officer of Lakshmipur Pourashava, shared that 6,500 containments have already been constructed to support CWIS in Lakshmipur. Prof. Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz underscored the crucial role of academic institutions in promoting innovative sanitation technologies.
The panel explored innovative and sustainable sanitation technologies, highlighting the Biofil Toilet, Johkasou Sewage Treatment Plant, and the Omni Processor—a breakthrough system converting human waste into energy. The role of academic institutions in driving innovation was also a key discussion point.
The engaging Q&A session kept the momentum alive, with Dr. Shohel Iqbal asking which technology was the most feasible. In response, Mr. Md. Shafiqul Hassan from DPHE described the relevance of Omni Processor considering all factors. Overall, the whole session was very captivating. The dynamic Q&A segment with the panel made it even more interesting for the audience. Notably, ICCDRB, BRAC, DSK, BWDB (Bangladesh Water Development Board), and guests from ITB Indonesia shared their valuable perspectives as well. Prof. Dr. Aysha Akter, Professor and Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at CUET, summarized the discussions and reinforced the importance of innovation and collaboration for safely managed sanitation for all. The session empowered stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive transformative and innovative changes in sanitation systems, contributing to global efforts toward universal access to safely managed sanitation.
