ITN-BUET organised a research dissemination and book launch event on 19 February 2024. The event showcased pioneering research projects exploring waste-to-wealth, recycling, and reusing processes for solid wastes from tannery industries and faecal sludge, employing sustainable and nature-based solutions.
Prof. Dr. Muhammed Alamgir, Acting Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, graced the event as the Chief Guest. The event was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of BUET Prof. Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder. Prof. Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of BUET, attended the event as the special guest and Prof. Dr. M. Feroze Ahmed, Professor Emeritus at Stamford University of Bangladesh, joined the event as the Guest of Honour. Prof. Dr. Tanvir Ahmed, Director of ITN-BUET, hosted the event took place at ITN-BUET.
Prof. Dr. Muhammed Alamgir commended both research projects for their substantial contributions to existing knowledge and underscored the importance of collaboration between educators and researchers. Prof. Alamgir also advocated for increased incentives to research initiatives that strive for innovative solutions.
Before that, Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Hashem from KUET, shared insights from his research project, ‘Co-Composting of Fecal Sludge and Tannery Liming Sludge.’ He said: “His research aims to inspire practical solutions that align human activities with the environment, promoting a sustainable and resilient future.”
Another professor from KUET, Prof. Dr. Md. Khalekuzzaman, shared findings from his research on ‘Production of Bio-Asphalt from Waste-Sludge through Co-Hydrothermal Liquefaction’. He mentioned that by adopting his technology, the government has the potential to generate annual revenue of approximately 2000 crore taka by converting half of the waste sludge into bio-asphalt.
Prof. Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder praised the remarkable achievements of the two researchers. He highlighted the value of their work in advancing knowledge, emphasising the crucial role of quality research in driving innovation, informing policymaking, and fostering intellectual progress.
Prof. Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan appreciated the showcased research. He commended ITN-BUET’s contributions to the research projects and appealed to the guests for support in accrediting ITN-BUET as an institute.
Prof. Dr. M. Feroze Ahmed was highly impressed with both research presentations, emphasising their potential for high-level publications. He highlighted the significant achievement of the research on producing bio-asphalt from faecal sludge, suggesting it deserves a patent.
Prof. Dr. Tanvir Ahmed, Director of ITN-BUET, discussed the ongoing research initiatives supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, spanning various areas, including sanitation, solid waste management, faecal sludge management, and Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS).
At the event, ITN-BUET launched a book titled ‘Dewaterability of Sewage Sludge’ by Prof. Dr. M. Feroze Ahmed. Mr. Alauddin Ahmed, Project Manager of ITN-BUET, concluded the event by expressing gratitude to all the guests. Special appreciation was extended to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their invaluable support.
Government officials, researchers, academics, and WASH sector professionals attended the event. They praised the research initiatives, exchanged insights, and provided directives. Additionally, all guests expressed admiration for Prof. M. Feroze Ahmed’s exceptional contributions to his book.
