Politics
PM Tarique Rahman Reviews Waste-to-Fuel Project, Assures Government Support
Translated by Desk Report
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has witnessed a demonstration of an innovative project aimed at producing environmentally friendly fuel oil from human waste and agricultural residues. He assured the researchers of all necessary government support for the implementation of the project.
The demonstration was held at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Saturday morning.
During the event, Professor Dr Md Khalequzzaman of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) presented various aspects of the technology and research involved in producing fuel oil from human waste, sewage treatment plant waste, kitchen waste and agricultural residues. The prime minister closely observed the entire process and enquired about its progress.
According to the researchers, nearly a decade of research has yielded significant results in producing biocrude oil from waste using hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology. Laboratory experiments have achieved biocrude yields of 50 to 55 percent, with the resulting oil containing diesel-rich components.
The research team said it plans to establish a pilot plant capable of processing one to three tonnes of waste per day in the next phase. The proposed project is estimated to cost between Tk 100 crore and Tk 120 crore. The facility will be used to assess the technology's practical effectiveness, production costs and commercial feasibility.
According to the researchers' estimates, if the technology proves commercially successful, domestic production could meet 10 to 15 percent of Bangladesh's demand for imported crude oil. This could save the country foreign exchange equivalent to approximately Tk 6,500 crore to Tk 13,000 crore annually. The technology could also play a significant role in reducing environmental pollution and improving waste management.
Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Mahmud Tuku, State Minister Anindya Islam Amit, University Grants Commission (UGC) Member Professor Abdullah Al Mamun, KUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Masud, and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) Chairman Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam were also present at the event.
