Message

I am very happy to learn that the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) of
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) is organizing a specialized Seminar on
Sustainable Development and Environmental Friendly Building Materials to be held on March 1011, 2010. The theme of the Seminar is not only extremely relevant for Bangladesh but also for other
countries of the world.
I have happy memories of my first visit to CEE department of SUST during the first Convocation of
SUST in 1998 when I was invited to deliver the Convocation Address. I also remember my second visit
to CEE department when I had the opportunity to address the Closing Session of National Conference
on Prospects of Environmental Engineering held on August 10-11, 2001 as the Chief Guest. On both
the occasions, I was highly impressed with the enthusiasm of the students and young faculty members of
CEE department. Over the last ten years, the CEE department has grown significantly, with experienced
faculty members in the ranks of Professor and Associate Professors, in addition to young Assistant
Professors and Lecturers, who have been rendering valuable services to our nation by producing
significant number of graduate Civil and Environmental Engineers. It is creditable that the B. Sc. Degree
in CEE from SUST has already been accredited by the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and
Technical Education (BAETE), Bangladesh. I am pleased to note that postgraduate programmes, leading
to M. Sc. Engineering and Ph. D. degrees are also being offered by the department.
I am also happy to know that a Souvenir will be published on this occasion dealing with seminar topic
focusing on issues relating to sustainable development, particularly related to built environment. I
believe that the specialized seminar on such an important topic will play a vital role in ensuring that the
development of Bangladesh is sustainable in the long run. I am sure that the suggestions that will come
out from this specialized seminar will act a guideline for future development activities of Bangladesh.
I wish the seminar all success. I also wish all the participants of the seminar as well as organizers of the
seminar success in their professional life.

Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury

Former Professor of Civil Engineering, BUET
and
Former Vice Chancellor, BRAC University

Message
This is my great pleasure to know that a specialized Seminar on Sustainable Development and
Environmental Friendly Building Materials is going to be organized by Civil Engineering (CE)
Department where the specialists of the relevant fields will present specialized papers. Being a unique
Department of the SUST, CEE always organizes technical sessions, training sessions, workshop,
seminars, symposium etc. on different occasions related to civil and environmental engineering. In the
way of glorious cross roads of CEE, I think this specialized seminar will give a new dimension to create
the opportunity to interact among the professionals, exchange the views and ideas with reputed experts
of the relevant sector that will obviously enhance the knowhow of the professionals. I am sure that the
students of CEE will utilize their achieved knowledge from the seminar properly in their professional
life and will prove themselves as excellent token pieces in the building of sustainable Bangladesh. I am
also happy to know that a souvenir will be published on this occasion dealing with seminar topic
focusing the sustainable issues related to the development activities which will be an added catalyst to
construct a sustainable nation.
I thank the organizers of the seminar, welcome the distinguished speakers, participants to SUST campus
to attend the seminar, and wish the specialized seminar a great success.

Professor Dr. Md. Saleh Uddin

Vice Chancellor
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology
Sylhet

Message
I am extremely glad to hear that Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Department of the School
of Applied Sciences and Technology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) is going
to organize a specialized Seminar on Sustainable Development and Environmental Friendly Building
Materials to be held in March 10-112010. I think that time-striking theme of such a specialized
seminar will keep a vigilant role to develop sustainable Bangladesh by handling the emerging issues of
the infrastructure development and environmental upkeep leading to conserved nature of the globe. I
hope that the participants will enjoy an excellent atmosphere to exchange their views on usability of
different building materials. Not only this, CEE graduates, students and the participants to the seminar
will have the scope to increase their knowledge through the direct interactions with specialists of the
relevant field as well. I am further impressed knowing that a Souvenir will be published on this occasion
reflecting the seminar theme and significant activities of CEE department, one of the leading
engineering departments of SUST.
I wish the best success to the specialized seminar organized by CEE department of the School and
welcome the participants to the seminar in the beautiful campus of SUST Shahjalal University of
Science and Technology, Sylhet.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Iqbal

Dean
School of Applied Sciences and Technology
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology

Message
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Organizing a specialized seminar on Sustainable Development and Environmental Friendly Building
Materials by Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Department of Shahjalal University of
Science and Technology (SUST) to be held in March 10-112010 gives me immense pleasure because it
leads our university in the field of specialization creating a new facet in the history of SUST. Organizing
such a specialized seminar indicates the extreme success of establishment of CEE department by
Professor Syed Mohibuddin Ahmed, second Vice-Chancellor of SUST in 1994 to keep pioneering role in
the field of infrastructure development and environmental improvement in Bangladesh. Publishing a
souvenir on this occasion dealing with seminar topic focusing the sustainable issues related to the
development activities gives an extra dimension in this context.
CEE Department boasts of a few unique qualities that are not possessed by other departments of SUST.
CEE is the only department of SUST starting the classes of all year/semester in the first month of the
academic semester (January and July) at a time, taking the exams of all semesters of undergraduate level
at a time. CEE is the first department of SUST making international linkage with the universities at
home and abroad commencing linkage Project Appropriate Technology for Waste Water Treatment
between SUST and Staffordshire University of UK in November 1996 that continued up to 1998. CEE is
also the first department of SUST to establish an attached center as the Sub-centre of International
Training Network (ITN) for Water and Waste Management wided in 18 developing countries of Asia,
Africa & Latin America in December 1996. CEE is the pioneering department of SUST establishing the
Center for Research, Testing and Consultancy (CRTC) in July 2004 to provide consultancy, research,
and testing services. CEE is the first engineering department offering B. Sc. Engineering Degree
accredited by the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education (BAETE),
Bangladesh in 2009. CEE is also the first department going to establish a Centre of Excellence in SUST
to introduce M.Sc Engineering Course in Disaster and Environmental Engineering under the linkage
with University of Kassel, Germany in January 2011.
I hope that CEE department will continue its endeavor in new field of fastidious expertise through
organizing more specialized seminars, symposiums and conferences in the field of civil and
environmental engineering to develop prosperous Bangladesh and to keep significant role in
ramification of environmental degradation.
I wish the great success of participants to the seminars.

...............................................................................
Professor Dr. Engr. Mohammod Aktarul Islam Chowdhury
Head
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology

Sylhet

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

M. Feroze Ahmed Ph.D., FBAS, FIEB, MASCE
Professor of CE, BUET, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
INTRODUCTION
Environment is the physicochemical, biological and social surroundings of human-beings. The word environment is derived from an
old French word environ meaning encircle The human beings right from the time of birth are encircled or surrounded by people,
animals, plants, air, water land, soil, sunlight and other physical objects. All these are part of human environment. The environment is
thus the sum of all-social, biological, physical and chemical factors, which compose the surrounding of men. Environment as a
productive system provides basic supports that are required for flourishing all forms of lives, materials that are harvested, energy that
is harnessed, services for transportation and recreation and aesthetics for spiritual renewal. Science and technology have made human
the most powerful among all species on earth to control, modify and use earths resources and make alteration of the natural
environment. Environment as a resilient system is capable to withstand some degree of stresses associated with human activities and
natural phenomena like draught, floods, storms, volcanoes etc. Environment as a sensitive system also responds to anthropogenic and
natural changes. The environment inherited from the past is subjected to some degree of transformation in the present and passed on to
future generation. Environmental engineers deal with the knowledge of the environment acquired through observation, studies and
experiments and application of this scientific knowledge and technology for the protection and conservation of the environment.
Development is the process of transformation of natural resource endowment of the planet to meet the needs and aspirations of the
human population. The most fundamental law governing our planets finite resources states that matter can neither be created nor
destroyed; it can, however be reshaped or transformed to add value. The processes of taming and transformation of natural raw matter
into products and services as well as enhancing the growth in quantity and quality of products and services need energy, human
endeavor and technology but all these activities have some impact on the environment.
The World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) known as Brundtland Commission defined Environment as
where we all live and development as what we all do in attempting to improve our lot within that abode and sustainable
development as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet
their own needs sustainable development is a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments,
and the orientation of technological development and institutional changes are all in harmony and enhance both current and future
potential to meet human needs and aspirations. The concept of sustainability of development capsulizes two central thoughts; needs
and limitations. Needs may vary from people to people according to the standard and quality of life. The limitations of resources,
knowledge, skills and the state of technology and social organization imposes a limit to the environments ability to meet the present
and future needs.
THE ENVIRONMENT: INTERACTION OF COMPONENTS
The living organisms derive sustenance from non-living resources. Under natural condition plants, microorganisms and animals
together with air, water, soil, minerals and solar energy form a harmonious system. The dynamic equilibrium of the system maintained
through interactions and interrelationship of the constituents of biotic and abiotic components of the system in the environment is
referred to as Ecosystem. Man as a component in the ecosystem is also dependent on nature for all his needs but the process of
procuring his escalating demand has put additional stress on the natural system. The people being the most intelligent species in the
environment play the most important role in the manipulating and restructuring the natural environment when seen from the
perspective of environment as a source of material, energy and services and as a receptor of human impacts. In early time forest
products, catching of fish and poaching of wildlife were the means of survival of man on earth. But mans endeavor to satisfy his
growing demand to improve his living initiated the modification of the natural system through technological innovations. Now man
has invaded nature as shown in Fig.1 and introduced modified resources in the environment combining technology with natural
physico-chemical and biological system known as development resources.
The complex interactions between earths living and non-living resources maintain a dynamic balance in the environment. Man is only
a component in the subsystem animal in whole system of life but with his ability to dominate and conquer the natural system through
science and technology, he has created a transcendental status in the entire system. The complex interactions between human and the
natural resources and between the physico-chemical and biological components of natural environment have been shown in Figure 1.
All these development activities consume natural resources and interfering with natural environmental resources such as denuding of
green cover, cutting of hills, making of tunnels and transportation routes, diversion of water courses, alteration of wetlands and
catchment area and discharging of wastes in the environment. Environmental engineers are equipped with the knowledge of
understanding the consequences of these massive interactions and adopt protective measures.

A CONCEPTUAL MODEL AND STRATEGY

FOR
SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
The environment with its biotic and abiotic
components provides basic resources that support
production- consumption activities of population
and assimilates the residues during these
activities. A conceptual model of sustainable
development derived from the definition given by
Brundtland has been illustrated in Figure 2
(Ahmed, 2009).
The total resources at time t (R t) consist of
renewable resources (RR) and non-renewable
resources (NRR). The development efforts
representing production, regeneration and value
addition using natural resources are supported by
science, technological and institutional inputs
from the population (Pt). The resources available
for the consumption (Ct) are derived directly from
the natural resources and the products from
resources development. The resources available
for consumption of the population (P t) are to meet
their basic demands (cb), secondary demands (cs)
and luxury demands (c1) as shown in the equation
(1).

Figure 1: Natural-human interaction in the environment

The basic demands (cb) include foods, water and air to maintain
and develop health, minimum clothe to wear and a shelter to
live in, The secondary demands (cs) include dresses, transport,
house, education, arts, recreation etc, which a man needs to
improve his living standard. The luxury demands (c 1) are luxury
items rooted in ones affinity for such items to raise his status
and prestige. The processes of resources development and
resources consumption produce wastes to be discharged in the
environment. The quantity and pollution potentials of the wastes
increase with the increase in development activities and
resources consumption. When the pollution load increases
beyond the assimilation capacity of the environment,
degradation of the quality of the environment takes place, which
also affects the natural resources.
If the system at any time t can produce enough resources
available for consumption of a small population, a high standard
of living is maintained.
But if

Figure 2 : A conceptual model of sustainable development

Ct < Pt cb

i.e. the resources available for consumption are unable to meet

the basic demand, extreme poverty exists. In such cases the
people tend to consume the resources base to meet the basic
demand causing large-scale degradation and reduction in
regeneration capacity of the environment resources.

If

Ct > Pt (cb + cs + cl)t

i.e. the resources available for consumption are equal or higher than those required to meet the primary, secondary and territory
demands for the population Pt at a time t, prosperity exists.
The present population passes on the environment with its potentials and stresses to the future generation to carryout similar activities.
For sustainable development

Rt 1 Rt

(for all time t)

Pt 1
Pt

(2)

C t 1 C t

Pt 1
Pt

(3)

( for all time t)

Where, 1 represents a year, a decade or a century ahead in future. These conditions of sustainability mean that per capita resources
availability or per capita resources consumption does not deplete over time.
The conditionality may also be expressed as

Rt 1 Rt
P Pt
t 1
R1
Pt

(for all time t)

(4)

This means that the net regeneration and development rate of resources is not less than the growth rate of population.
The guiding strategy to achieve the goal of sustainable development may be summarized as follows:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)

The population growth must be controlled within carrying capacity to ease the mounting pressure on environment
resources.
The environmental impacts of development activities should be assessed and effective environmental protection
measures be incorporated to eliminate, reduce and off-set the adverse impacts of development.
The consumption of non-renewable resources should be compensated by the increase in renewable resources or
substituted by renewable alternatives.
The consumption of renewable resources should be such that the harvest rate does not exceed the regeneration rate.
The environmentally clean and efficient technology should be adopted for development. Environment friendly activities
and products should be promoted.
The wastes are to be considered as unutilized resources. The wastes should be recycled for conservation of resources and
protection of the environment.
Waste management must be given priority in the production consumption processes. The wastes in excess of
assimilative capacity must not be discharged in the environment. Interventions in the form of waste treatment and safe
disposal must the introduced to prevent degradation of the quality of the environment.

Environmental engineers have leading roles in each of the strategies stated above to achieve sustainable development.
ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERS
Population Growth and Carrying Capacity
Population carrying capacity may be defined as the level of population a land area/country can sustain at a given level of technology
through the supply of resources for consumption (supportive capacity) of the ecosystem. The growth of all biological species
including human population in unlimited resources under favorable environment conditions may be expressed by the equation:

dP
rP
dt

(5)

Where dP/dt is the rate of growth of population P at time t and r is the growth co- efficient. The growth co-efficient r is dependent on
adoption of family planning, aspiration of high living condition, level of education and environment factors. A solution to this equation
(5) is given by:
P= Po ert
(6)

In which P0 is the initial population. The equation (6) represents exponential growth observed in some countries adopting no restriction
on population growth.
The resources are finite which determine the carrying capacity, K of a system. The growth of population in finite resource system may
be expressed by:

dP
P

rP 1
dt
K

(7)

(8)

The solution of equation (6) may be obtained as:

1 e rt
P0

Population Resources

With science and technology, man is able to improve the carrying capacity of the environment to a value K. This is achieved mainly
through resources development, which includes adding value to resources, enhancing the regeneration of renewable resources and
exploration and development of hidden resources. The graphical presentation of population growth has been made in Figure 3.

Carrying Capacity,
K
Resources
Developm
ent
Carrying
Capacity, K

dP
rP
dt
dP
P

rP 1
dt
K
'

dP
dt

rP 1
Figure 3 : Population growth and carrying capacity
Po

The current trend of worlds population growth is to

overshoot the carrying capacity but there is limitations
imposed by future potential for development and there
are risks in attaining population close to maximum
carrying capacity. It has been estimate that the worlds
gross domestic product has increased more than 10
folds during last 50 years (Cunningham and Saigo,
2001). The present global population of nearly 7
billion is estimated to increase to 10 billion in 2030.
The earths total resources with present development
potentials can sustain an absolute maximum population
of 15-16 billion. But the distribution of resources and
population growth is not uniform over earths surface.
In the highly developed countries, the population
growth rates is very low where one fifth of earths
population is presently enjoying four fifth of the earths
resources. The population growth rate in the lessdeveloped countries in Asia and Africa is still very
high. More that 90 percent of all growth in the last
century was in less-developed countries. It is expected
that the population in less-developed countries will also
stabilize in next 50 years

Man needs natural resources for his living and progress. The population growth is a key factor in the rate of resources consumption
and economic development. Human beings in their quest for survival, economic development and enjoyment of the riches of nature
must come to term with Time,
the reality
t of resources limitation and the maintenance of the quality of the environment. Environmental
engineers with input from other specialists are able to assess the carrying capacity maintaining the desired quality of life.
Environmental Impact
All development activities have some impact on the environment and resources. The use of and interaction with natural resources in
the development process impose an impact on the resource base. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects by
environmental scientist and engineers is required to be conducted for sound and sustainable development. Adoption of environmental

mitigation measures and compensation of residual impact by environmental enhancement initiatives are the strategies to achieve
sustainable development.
Resources Consumption
The strategy of consumption of renewable resources within the regeneration capacity can be achieved by limiting the consumption of
resources or by increasing regeneration of renewable resources. The first one is impossible to achieve for growing population
requiring more resources to meet basic needs and difficult for a population habituated in high quality of life. Hence, increase in the
regeneration capacity through application of science and technology is the preferred option. Green revolution in agriculture sector
achieved this objective. High yield varieties of crops were developed, the technology of conversion of inert natural nitrogen into
fertilizer was acquired, controlled irrigation technologies were developed and many chemicals were formulated to control pests and
weeds. Now biotechnology and genetic engineering added a new dimension in further enhancing productivity. The environmental
engineers are to combat the ill-effects caused by such development initiatives. Industrial revolution in developed countries produced
enough goods and services for human consumptions and improved quality of life. The environmental engineers took long time to
clean the mess caused by industrial revolution.
Clean Technology and Waste Management
All production-consumption processes produce wastes as shown in Fig. 2 that require proper management to protect resource base,
health and quality of life. Industrial processes produce huge quantities of industrial wastes that required cleaning. Modern agriculture
needs energy, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, irrigation, pesticides and herbicides and each of them have impact on the environment. The
additional inputs of energy, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur disrupt the natural carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur cycles in the
environment.
The use of the environment as a sink for wastes generated is a potential threat to sustainable development. Many of the adverse
environment effects of wastes are not confined in a locality rather they spill over geographical boundaries. An industry, for example,
may discharge effluent having inorganic, organic and toxic persistent pollutants in water, which will be carried downstream from one
locality to the other and from one region to the other which is known as fluvial effect. The inorganic pollutants will disperse, and
organic biodegradable pollutants will cause disruption in aquatic system upto a long distance in the downstream. The toxic persistent
pollutants will be transported and deposited in other localities/regions and may reach the sea and transported to other
countries/continents by water, fish or birds. The emission of pollutants in the air will disperse and fall in the locality but pollutants like
oxides of sulfur may cause acid rain the region or far away in other country/continent. The climate change is eminent by the discharge
of large quantities of carbon dioxide along with other greenhouse gases. The most alarming threat to the environment is the increase in
the discharge of toxic wastes. At present about 190,000 known chemicals have been introduced and additional thousands of chemicals
are being formulated each year, many of which are extremely toxic. The long-term effects of many pesticides, drugs, cosmetics and
food additives are not yet known.
The environmental costs are sometimes passed on to future generation through over exploitation of resources, and damages to
resource bases. This kind of roll of mechanism is a kind of environment debts by future generation is a threat to their freedom in
spending their income and against the principle of intergeneration equity. Sustainable development, theretofore, takes the future into
consideration. The underlying premise is to leave future generations a similar or better resource endowment than that the present
inherited from their past generation.
Environmental engineer equipped with the knowledge of science and technology as shown in Fig. 2 can erect better intervention to
keep the environment clean and productive. Clean and efficient technologies are now available that releases effluent and emission with
very low contaminants. Technologies for trapping pollutants from emission as well as cleaning wastewater have improved
significantly. Biological treatment processes like high-rate activated sludge, sequential batch reactors, and membrane bio-filtration
methods are highly efficient in removing bio-degradable organics present in wastewater. Membrane filtration technologies and
electrochemical methods have been made highly efficient in removing organic and inorganic pollutants. Zero discharge technologies,
that recycle wastewater and chemicals without discharging anything outside the industrial compound, are now in practice in many
countries.
THE BANGLDESH SITUATION
Bangladesh faces the most difficult task of balancing between development efforts and sustaining scarce resource base. The most
components of the environment of Bangladesh are in the state of dynamic changes to sustain its high population growth. The fast
growing population is consuming, manipulating, and restructuring the natural environment, which is a source of material, energy and
services for sustenance and a receptor of human impact. The country is largely affected by environmental degradation and depletion of
its resources. Principal environmental concerns are degradation of land resources, wetlands and coastal environment, fast depletion of
forest, declining groundwater table, unplanned urbanization, shrinking bio-diversity, uncontrolled environmental pollution and threats
of natural disasters and sea-level rise by global worming.

Agricultural production has increased about three folds in Bangladesh since independence in 1971due to introduction of HYV of crops
but this growth is not sustainable. Agriculture is fully dependent on natural gas in Bangladesh which is a non-renewable resource. Gas
is used as a fuel and raw material for the production of urea. Gas is used to generate electricity used for pumping of water for
irrigation. Non-availability of this limited resource will bring about a collapse of the agricultural production. A shift toward engineered
seeds that produce sterile crop make the farmer more dependent on suppliers of seed. High population pressure has already started
affecting the sustainability of agricultural development. Because of intensive use of land, shortage of biomass and increasing use of
modern varieties of crops, the cultivated soils are now being depleted of essential nutrients and organic matter content and large areas
are now found to be deficient of essential nutrients, particularly sulfur and zinc.
Textile is the highest foreign exchange earning sector in Bangladesh and textile dyeing has been recognized as the highest polluter of
the environment as well. The growth of the textile sector without wastewater treatment facilities has become the cause
of acute pollution of surrounding water bodies and loss of production of agricultural land. Industries contribute to 60
percent of the total pollution of the water bodies. The urban centers in Bangladesh are growing at a rate out pacing the
growth of service facilities. Serious problems of environmental degradation are stemming from urbanization. The
pollution level in surface water sources in and around major urban centres is about 5-10 times higher than the average
surface water quality of the major rivers. Several instances of severe water pollution occurred in the rivers Karnafuli,
Surma, Sitalakhya, Buriganga and Balu during lean period of the year. Such industrial and urban development imposing
environmental and social costs in the surrounding area cannot be considered as sustainable development.
Bangladesh is known to be country of flood and cyclone. The symptom of drought and desertification are also found in the northern
part of Bangladesh. Climate change and Sea-level rise are great threats to the environment of Bangladesh. One meter sea level rise
will inundate about 15.8% of total area of Bangladesh, displace 10% of the present population, lose 13.7% of cropped land, destroy
4.0 lakh ha. of mangrove forest and involve loss in output of 13% of GDP( Mahtab, 1992 and BCAS, 1992). Moreover, the area of
high salinity intrusion will increase from an existing area of 13% of Bangladesh to 32% .
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Some of the key aspects of sustainable development include efficient use of energy, switching over to renewable resources and
efficient use of resources through innovative process design, waste minimization, reuse of materials and recycle of wastes, clean up of
the mess. Hence, sustainable development which attempts to balance environment preservation and economic growth, promises a way
to provide decent life for Earths human inhabitants without destroying the global ecosystem depends a lot on environmental engineers
involved in development activities. All nations, poor or reach, need to prepare their own long-term sustainable development strategy
reflecting their own stage of development and their problems and perspective. Human resource development in developing countries
in the field of environmental engineering is needed to increase sufficient national capacity and expert professionals to formulate new
environmental sound development plans and translate the plans into actions. The developed nations need to change their consumption
pattern and help conservation of resources. The principles call on environmental engineers to:

become more engaged in shaping environmentally sound decisions, educate themselves and the rest of the society on
sustainable development,

consider systematically the aggregate consequences of decisions and alternatives,

help develop new environment economic measures and analysis,

create and adopt sustainable technologies and processes and pursue expanded multidisciplinary partnership.

Sustainable development that promises a way to provide decent life for Earths human can only be achieved through caring and
sharing of Earths resources by rich and poor countries of the planet.
REFERENCES
Ahmed, M. F. (2009), Science and Technology for Sustainable Development, Proceedings of the First Symposium of the Japan
Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS) and Bangladesh JSPS Alumni Association, Jahangir Nagar University, Bangladesh.
BCAS (1992) Bangladesh: Threatened by Sea Level Rise, BCAS Study published in The Morning Sun, March 7.
Cunningham, W.P. and Saigo, B.W. (2001), Environmental Science- A Global Concern, 6th Edn. McGrow-Hill Higher Education,USA,
UK
Mahtab, F.U. (1992), Climate Change and Sea-level Rise due to Green House Effect - Its Consequences on Bangladesh, Training
Manual on Environmental Management in Bangladesh, Department of Environment, Government of Bangladesh

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE IN BANGLADESH

Muhammed Alamgir
Dept. of CE, KUET
ABSTRACT
Despite the existing constraints in almost all the tiers to manage municipal solid waste (MSW) situations in the cities of Bangladesh,
each city authority follows its own management system. To achieve long thrusting wish of city dwellers on city environment, the
authority should look for affordable solutions for MSW management based on the local experiences. It becomes evident that an
integrated and sustainable solid wastes management based on the footsteps of the existing practices evolved from the relevant socioeconomic settings and technological capabilities is required to face the challenges to create a clean, hygiene and environment-friendly
city. To materialize the target perfectly, the community participation must be ensured and the levels of awareness and commitment
should be raised following sustainable initiatives developed based on the interactive dialogue among the concerned stakeholders. The
overall sustainability of the adopted system must be ensured through evaluation and necessary refinement.
INTRODUCTION
As the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) is an inevitable consequence of production and consumption activities in any
society and economy, there is no doubt that the solid waste generation is growing proportionately with the growth of urban population
and eventually very high population density in the cities provides an important aspects need consider in the solid waste issues. This
perception is very much relevant to Bangladesh as in the recent years the population in urban areas has increased copiously without
any planning and the accomplishment of necessary infrastructures, which in turns smashes the sustainability of urban environment due
to inherent constraints to address MSW issues properly.
In the urban areas of Bangladesh, the major weakness of the existing MSW management system is the wastes collection efficiency,
which falls below 50% of total generated wastes. It occurs due to lack of peoples awareness, participation in the process, absence of
sustainable system and the overall inefficiency of the organizational efforts of the local city authority (Jhuman et al 2009, Alamgir
2009). As the present environmental degradation in the urban areas cannot be ignored, attention should be given to find out the
loopholes of the existing system and the necessary ways should be explored to run it within the existing capabilities of the city
authority in particular and the community in general to face the challenges. The community participation, which is a sociopolitical
process, must be ensured conducting proper dialogue and regular communication that will develop their ownership on the system
(Bidlingmaier 2009). In this context, the prime task is to ensure the proper functioning of the adopted system at every tier and to
minimize the adverse environmental impacts as much as possible. The starting point of this initiative is to identify the weak aspects of
the existing system and to make an affordable plan considering the real position of the city authority and the area concerned to
introduce the effective measures to develop a sustainable management of MSW in the cities of Bangladesh.
MSW MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PROBLEMS IN BANGLADESH
The existing management of MSW in Bangladesh is very primeval. Starting from the source storage at personal level to the ultimate
disposal at organization level, appropriate system is not practices at any tiers, which consequently adverse environmental impacts on
human health and nature. The major problems are described briefly in the following sections, details can be obtained in (WasteSafe
2005, Ali, M. 2004, Enayetullah, I. and Sinha, A. M. 2003, Alamgir et al. 2008a &b, Chowdhury 2009 and Salequzzaman et al. 2009).

Source Storage and Primary Collection

In Bangladesh, major portion MSW comes from residential source. If proper
handling of wastes cannot be adopted at source, the total management system is
verged to collapse. It is observed that in the urban areas of Bangladesh, more
than 40% waste generators do not store, just throw away. People from all crosssection of society used to do it. It occurs in home, office, markets,
stations/terminals, recreation place and even in the class room. In some instants,
it
is observed that in spite of the presence of bins, people do it from their inherent
habits and ignorance. Other point is realized that due to the absence of proper
and efficient primary collection system, people thought that what then happens
to
all the binfuls if the wastes are stored? The primary collection of waste is one of
the most important connectors in building smoothly running chains among all
the elements of MSW management. The success of any management
Figure 1 Clogging of drain due to waste littering.
system of MSW greatly depends on the efforts and success of primary
collection. Therefore, the frequency and reliability of waste collection also has tremendous impacts on source storage practices rather
than throw out. Due to this throw out malpractice, urban environment including the drainage system suffers very much, as shown in
Figure 1.

On-site Storage
Figure 2 shows the most common situation of secondary disposal sites (SDS)
on site storage by a city authority in a busy street, which reduces the
effective width and creates traffic congestion and other associated socioenvironmental problems. Recent involvement of private sector and NGOs to
manage SDS also did the things improperly. Through this improper step, the
road spaces in the turning point and the footpath cum drain along the road
sites have been reduced significantly, which consequently add more traffic
congestion and inconveniences to the city dwellers and subsequently degrade
urban environment. The problems due with on-site storage in the existing
MSW management system can be outlined as:

Most of the SDSs are located either roadsides or at the corner of

intersection or besides the drain, reducing effective road width and
obstacle traffic and pedestrian movements and drains are filled-up.
Figure 2 Open on-street storage

Existing Dustbins do not meet the requirements resulting littering as

deposited at the surroundings.

In addition of SDS, the collection vehicles i.e. trucks standing for long time at the sites due to manual collection and
inefficiency, causing further obstruction.

Uncontrolled and improper scavenging further deteriorates the situations.

Compost Plant
Despite huge potential of composting in Bangladesh, this sector suffers due to
improper and non-professional initiatives. Compost plants mostly run by NGOs,
private sector, city authority in a limited scale with the help of NGOs and also
barrel composting has recently introduced to individual family level. Mostly mixed
MSW are the input collected and supplied by small NGOs, CBOs or even by city
authority. Lot of efforts is required for segregation conducted at the plant areas. As
the quality of compost depends on input MSW, required quality cannot be ensured
since once wastes are mixed, proper segregation is impossible, moreover, wastes
starts to degrade quickly. It is also observed that some plants collect partially
decomposed wastes, and then sorted it manually, which is very susceptible to health
hazard due to direct contact. Most of the plants are developed ignoring the essential
aspects to be followed in terms of appropriate technology and required
infrastructures, such as facilities for wastes delivery and residual removal, active
composting, maturing, screening, packing and store of products, storage of
Figure 3 A shut down compost plant
equipment and personal items of workers and an office, and a demonstrated plant to
explain the benefit of compost. Health and hygiene aspects are ignored, no control of flies, odour and seepage of leachate. Due to
inherent constraints, a number of plants have been closed as shown in Figure 3.
Reuse, Recycling and Recovery (3Rs)
Generally reuse/recovery/recycling (3Rs) is carried out in three phases. Phase one is
source separation, where the generators separate refuse of higher market value such as
papers & paper products, bottles, fresh containers, plastic materials, tin, glass, metal,
clothes, shoes etc. In second phase, the poor or street children collect different items
low market value from on-site storage, and the final phase is ultimate disposal sites
(UDS). The patter of recovery from SDS and UDS occur in a very unhygienic and
causing environmental degradation. Undesirable and most unhygienic practices of
sorting hospital wastes for recycling, such practices should be stopped immediately.
attempt to convert MSW into charcoal through briquette process was taken by a city
authority as shown in Figure 4 without any appropriate investigation of environmental
impacts due to unwanted gas emission during productions and while using the
Figure
product. Integrated approach is completely absent in 3Rs sector although huge
activities are conducting mostly by informal sectors ignoring the consequences of
the environment.

the
old
of

An

4 Improper way of recycling

Ultimate Disposal Sites

Collected MSW from urban areas ultimately disposed in the UDS. All the UDS in
Bangladesh (except Matuail in Dhaka) are just open dumping as shown in Figure 5,
which creates very high environmental hazards. A study conducted in 2005 in eight
UDS of six major cities of Bangladesh depicted that all the sites posed threat to human
health and nature. Considering the present situations of all tiers, the existing
management of MSW in the cities of Bangladesh can be characterized as (i) absence of
appropriate organizational set-up in the city council and accountability, (ii) significant
portions of wastes remain out of any sorts of management, (iii) no special attention to
manage hazardous wastes, (iv) recycling, composting and other product oriented
management activities are running through informal sectors without any support
from government level, and (v) insignificant involvement and participation of local
community in the system.

Figure 5 Typical scenarios of UDS

PRIORITY ACTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT

It is evident that the existing management system in all the urban areas of Bangladesh are running in an inefficient way with
inadequate and inappropriate infrastructures, which cannot be overlooked any more (WasteSafe 2005, Alamgir 2008,
Chowdhury 2009 and Salequzzaman et al. 2009). The following priority actions can be identified to improve the existing
practices to sustainability in the MSW management in the cities of Bangladesh.

Organizational Reforms
In Bangladesh, city authority is responsible for overall management of MSW in urban areas as per the Municipality Act. There is no
independent wing with sufficient authority to deal the MSW problems in the municipality. Besides other aspects, the attempts taken by
city authority do not work well due to effective functioning of the respective wing in the present organizational set-up. Waste
management issues are handled by conservancy section as a sub-section along with other daily utility services, which cannot work
and/or take any decision independently and/or quickly as the situation demands. However, some Non-Governmental Organisations
(NGOs), Community Based Organisation (CBOs) and Private sectors have been started to work with city authoritys initiatives to
solve this striking social and environmental problem, but the situation remains unchanged. Monitoring and evaluation of NGOs and
CBOs works and integration of city authority with their works are almost absent. As the proper organizational set-up in the City
Corporation and Municipality is one of the pre-conditions to have a sustainable system, the following actions can be taken as a priority
basis to this end.

Set-up of independent waste management division with authority.

Private sectors involvement need to increase in phases.
Effective and sustainable coordination with concerned stakeholders.
Updates on the achievement of environmental sustainability of the system.
Regular updates of the information and to make them readily accessible.

Community Participation
Effective implementation, even a simple system is difficult to achieve if the respective stakeholders, specially the city dwellers do not
cooperate and participate in the process. People need to realize the needs and change their minds and habits. Continuous mass
awareness campaign should run in this regard through a responsible and public representative body such as city authority
(Municipality and City Corporation). Authority should officially involve the people from the relevant stakeholders in this process.
Such initiatives have been and are being taken place in different cities of Bangladesh but do not continue due to lack of responsibility,
target and planning and as well as financial constraints. Therefore, awareness campaign needs to get institutional shape to run
regularly on the target without any interruption till the designated goal has been reached. The major measures to ensure people
participation can be listed as:

Establishment of importance of public participation.

Formation of management committee involving local people.
Development of social commitment to the individuals.
Development of environmental knowledge of people starting from school.
Formulation of regular basis awareness campaign through effective ways.
Public voices should be respected by policy makers

Establishment of Watchdog
To ensure the sustainability of the addressed issues, the performance monitoring and impact assessment of the system are must. The
assessment reports should include the suggestion of the approaches needed to implement and/or refine the existing one considering the
operational and environmental aspects. However, it is difficult to see how the objectives of environmental sustainability are going to
be achieved within the inherent constraints faced by the city authority to improve the existing system as targeted. In this context, an
independent body other than the directly involved parties such as Waste Management Division and service provider (City Corporation/
Municipality/ NOGs/ CBOs/ Private Sectors) is needed to involve in the process. This body can be designated as Environmental
Watchdog, which may form by the selected and the interested city dwellers from different cornered stakeholders having relevant
expertise and/or experiences (Alamgir 2009). The city corporation will provide all the legal and logistical supports. However, the
chairman and the members will work voluntarily. As an alternative, the city corporation may select and involve a private enterprise
such as an environmental company, who will act as the Environmental Watchdog for certain period with clearly defined terms and
conditions. As the accountability and transparency are the two prime aspects to make success of any attempts including environmental
sustainability check of the adopted system, this body will also watch whether the information regarding the ongoing activities
conducted by the city authority make readily available to the concerned stakeholders. The reports and recommendations provided by
the watchdog should be considered as mandatory to discuss in public representatives meetings of the city authority for necessary
observation and considerations. The major tasks of the Watchdog can be listed as:

to ensure open and timely access to all the accumulated information

to conduct regular meeting with the concerned authority and stakeholders
to select best wards, schools, hospitals, etc. for awards
to watch the chronological improvement of the system as recommended

MAIN TIERS OF THE MSW MANAGEMENT

Source Storage and Secondary Disposal: The first step for sustainable management is to stop throw out of wastes but store them in a
designated place. However, source storage and separation of organic, inorganic and hazardous waste, are highly neglected by the city
dwellers. Householders those cooperating existing management, store wastes in a plastic or metal container of different size and shape,
and keep it inside the house or premises, mostly in kitchen and/or corridor. Generally, single bin is practiced and the collection van
also has single compartment, so the waste becomes mixed. Moreover, due to lack of motivation, awareness and commitment, a
considerable portion of wastes, 40-60%, are not properly stored, collected or disposed in the designated places for ultimate disposal.
As a result, the unmanageable increasing quantity of MSW creates alarming environmental problems.
Motivation to households and door-to-door (DtD) collection are proved very useful. But the city authority does not have the resources
to provide DtD system because it requires more human resources, physical facility; more responsibility to collect the waste daily,
directly from generation sources and require proper planning and tight schedule. NGOs and private sector can positively contribute in
this important step. However, for such service, City Corporation and Municipality need very strong and workable agreement with the
service providers. The existing situations of SDSs in all cities are very much unpleasant and shocking and it is revealed that the
present type of SDSs is an ineffective measure causing most nuisances and deteriorates city environment. So, the proper alternative
options of SDSs should be considered. To solve this problem, city authority have been adopted several options such as demolition of
existing SDS, introducing litter bins, demountable container, large SDS, involving of private sectors. But no significant improvement
has been observed. In the decision making process, situation prevails in the individual areas are neglected. Recently, the Littering
Boxes were also removed from roadside in a city corporation, an example of failure attempt due to not considering the social settings
and people awareness and participation on the MSW management aspects. Existing on-site storage practices should be changed
immediately by adopting properly designed and maintained Transfer Station (TS) or handover points, where applicable based on the
prevailing socio-economic aspects. To ensure sustainability of the TS, the situation of the each location and the command area should
be analyzed, and hence the design should be done properly. The primary collection and the transfer of waste to the designated
locations from TS should be considered integrally. The management issues of the constructed TS should be considered with great care
and realistically, otherwise the purpose of setting up TS will not be achieved.
Ultimate Disposal Sites: Crude open dumping in low-lying areas is the common practice in Bangladesh, which causes serious threat
to the overall environment of the sites and it surroundings. In the dumping sites no control of waste of streams are followed. The
hazardous hospital wastes are also dumped in the same sites of MSW without any prior treatment. Moreover, most of the cities do not
have any appropriate and even legally owned sites. In such situations, city authority might think about the controlling of waste
streams, up-gradation of existing sites to control present situation and proposed full scale environment-friendly future disposal sites in
accordance with local conditions and technological capabilities. The sorting of wastes and the separation of bio-waste and the
recyclable wastes from the main waste streams before it goes for final disposal are also the main challenges to ensure the sustainability
and economical viability of the landfill.

Composting and 3Rs: Composting, a great potential sector of waste minimization and treatment considering the nature of MSW in
Bangladesh, fails to reach desired target due improper planning. The prospects of composting with the use proper low-cost
technologies, locations, sizes, input material qualities, quality output, demand in market yet to be explored properly, which minimize
problems and difficulties encountered with backyard composting. These aspects should address with great care to make this sector a
viable option for MSW minimization.
In Bangladesh, the rate of reuse, recycling and recovery (3Rs) from solid waste is one of the highest in the world. Here it occurs in
four phases: generation point, during primary collection, on-site storage and ultimate disposal site in an informal way. Due to very
high population, poor economic conditions and high unemployment rate, this sector can contribute immensely in the overall
management of solid waste in the country. As this sector has very positive impacts on the overall management of MSW, attention and
support must be provided to give the informal sector into a formal shape as well as economical and environmental sustainability.
The existing MSW management practiced in the urban areas of Bangladesh should be improved in phases. The improvement should
be done in such a way, that the sustainability must be ensured in the important tiers of the implemented system. Therefore, the system
should be designed considering the capabilities of the city authority in all the relevant aspects and in accordance to the prevailing
socio-economic conditions, city dwellers perception and the technological capabilities. However, despite the constraints, the end users
should expect the proper functioning and environmental sustainability in the basic tiers of the system. Considering such expectation, in
priority basis, some affordable and logical actions as listed below in Table 1 can be taken in various tiers those can link a system
within the available capabilities to bring the sustainability.
Table 1 Priority of actions in the major tiers of MSW management
Major Tiers
Priority Actions for Sustainability
Source storage
Stop throw away of wastes.
Store waste in a designated place by any means.
Separate hazardous wastes.
Primary transfer

Proper collection and transfer of wastes from source.

Transfer of hazardous waste with care.

On-site storage / SDS

Collection & Transfer of

wastes from SDS

Ensure regular collection within the fixed time span.

Stop seepage of leachate during transportation.
Covering of transportation vehicles to stop littering.

Ultimate disposal

No scavenging and littering of wastes at SDS.

Stop SDS at the illegal/undesignated places.
Time frame for waste disposal and storage at SDS.
Conversion of SDS to Transfer station in phases.

Stop illegal dumping of the collected wastes.

Recyclables and Bio-wastes should not be dumped.
Ensure deposition in the designated place only.
Stop scavenging and littering of wastes in the sites.
Improve existing sites to environmental provision.
Introduce Sanitary landfill in phases.

CONCLUSION
It is evident that a sustainable MSW
management needs to develop based
on the existing practices, local needs,
socio-economic settings and
technological capabilities. To ensure
the acceptability of the adopted system
by the stakeholders and the
environmental sustainability, the
technical verification at field level
through relevant demonstration
activities and the participation of city
dwellers is a mandatory. Involvement
of private sectors and NGOs with strict
terms and condition in the process can
improve the situation significantly.
Due to inherent constraints to run the
entire system, some areas of priorities
in each management tiers have to setup, so that the sustainability of the
adopted system could be achieved.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The financial support of the European Commissions EU-Asia Pro Eco II, Contract # ASIE/2006/122-432, for this study is gratefully
acknowledged.
References
Alamgir, M. 2009. Environmental Sustainability of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Bangladesh. Proc. Intl. Conf. on Solid
Waste Management: Technical, Environmental and Socio-economical Contexts - WasteSafe 2009, 9-10 Nov. 2009, Khulna, M.
Alamgir, et al. (Eds.), Vol.1, pp.1-12.
Alamgir, M., Hossain, Q.S. and Mohiuddin K. M. 2008a. Climate Change and the Prospects of CDM Framework in Solving MSW
Problems in Bangladesh. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Solid Waste Management WasteSate-2008, 9-10 February 2008
Khulna, Bangladesh. pp. 35-54.
Alamgir, M., Bidlingmaier, W., Hossain, Q.S., Mohiuddin, K.M. and Islam, M.R. 2008b. Future Prospects of CDM Framework to
Develop a Sustainable Landfill System in Bangladesh to Replace Open Dumping. Proc. of 6th Intl. ORBIT Conference, October
13-15, 2008, Wageningen, pp.246/1-10.
Bidlingmaier, W. 2009. Public participation in waste management. Manual of the Workshops of MSW Management in Bangladesh,
January 28 to February 08, 2009. WasteSafe, Dept. of Civil Engg, KUET, Bangladesh, pp. 125-150.

Chowdhury, M. A.I. 2009. Socio-economic Aspects of Solid Waste Management.

Proc. Intl. Conf. on Solid Waste Management WasteSafe 2009, 9-10 Nov. 2009, Khulna, ISBN: 978-984-33-0761-3, Vol.1, pp.165-175.
Enayetullah, I, Sinha, M. and Akter, S. 2005. Urban Solid Waste Management Scenario of Bangladesh: Problems and Prospects.
Technical Report of Waste Concern, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

IN BANGLADESH: EDUCATION & RESEARCH NEEDS AND PROGRESS UP TO DATE
Dr. Mahmudul Islam
Learning and Development Specialist, Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP), Disaster Management & Relief
Bhaban, 92-93 Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

Abstract
Geographically Bangladesh is one of major disaster prone countries in the world. In a year 2007, the overall economic growth was
affected due to flood and cyclone SIDR, besides the longer term impact on countries employment and economic activities were
experienced. Similarly, Cyclone AILA, has wasted out many of development efforts those have been constructed during last years.
Hence it is evidenced that the interaction of economic development with disaster risk has thus a direct consequence for the meeting of
Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and for sustainable development. The result from failure of development increases in
vulnerability to hazards events and thus are increasingly recognised as a fundamental factor constraining development and
contributing to poverty. Climate change (CC) also affects disaster risk in two ways: ) by increasing the number of climate-based
hazards and severe disaster events; and ii) by increasing the vulnerability of communities through ecosystem degradation,
unavailability of food and water, and changes in the means of their livelihoods.
Reducing climate change and disaster vulnerability requires increasing knowledge about the likelihood and consequences of disasters
and empowering individuals, communities, and public agencies with that knowledge to lower risk before and respond effectively after
disaster. Increasing knowledge depends on focusing science and technology investment to improve disaster resiliency at all stages
(prevention, mitigation, preparedness, relief and reconstructions) of disaster management by identifying and meeting the needs and
closing knowledge gaps wherever possible. As agreed in the Hyogo Framework for Actions (HFA 2005) emphasis should be given to
use of knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels. Education and research emphasis
hence be given on developing improve methods of multi-risk assessment and strengthen the technical and scientific capacity to
develop and apply methodologies, studies, and models to assess vulnerability and the impact of weather, water and climate related
hazards and their mitigation options. So, education and resercah on the relevant areas e.g. meteorology, hydrology, climatology,
settlement infrastructures, oceanography, geology, river and coast management, urban and rural planning, agricultural climate change
adaptation techniques should be given priority. Science and technology guiding principles should be i). invest in fundamental science
that shows promise for meeting end-user requirement, ii) emphasize the transition of scientific research and development to
technology application and deployment, iii) leverage existing knowledge of natural and technological hazards, iv) involvement of
partners to ensure that expertise and existing knowledge from field, v) ensure science and technology is deployed that allows social
and behavioral scientist, and vi) enhance effective of existing programme implementation with good governance and accountability
through improved coordination and interagency and inter-ministerial collaboration. Hence, Bangladesh Disaster Management
Education, Research and Training (BDMERTN) has been developed under CDMP programme, which can be utilized as a platform for
education, research and training in CC and DRR fields. Thus support to sustainable development can be ensured by reducing the
vulnerability to climate change and disaster risk and through application education, res3ercah and training options in respective areas.
(Key words: Climate Change, Vulnerability, Disaster, Education, Research, Training and Sustainable development)
1. Introduction: Disasters resulting from natural and human induced hazards have impact on development in several ways.
Disaster damages infrastructures, lifeline and critical facilities resulting in human, financial social and environmental losses.
Rehabilitation and reconstruction required additional funding and thus disasters pose a growing threat to the development.
Recent devastating floods in 1988, 2004, 2007 and cyclones in 1991,2007, 2009, and increasing fires in recent years destroyed
deferent means of economic and social development as well as environmental protection. The damage and losses of the flood
2007 in social, infrastructures, and productive sectors were estimated as 1.07 billion US dollar while the Cyclone Sidr 2007
have caused the damage and losses of US 1.7 billion. The impact of the cyclone 07 is equivalent to 2.8% of Bangladesh Gross
Domestic products (GDP). Decision making in development context, especially in planning and programming is having
influenced by economic, social and productive aspects of disasters. Therefore, lessons learned from the past disasters on the
damages on the economic, socials and environment aspects of the programme/projects, need to be considered while planning of
sectoral programme and projects for development. Besides a comprehensive and methodical risk analyses with mitigation
approaches of the risks need to be identified. A sustainable development in Bangladesh requires both structural and nonstructural risk reduction strategies need to be undertaken for all sectors. In order to achieve that professionalizing disaster
management is inevitable and the disaster risk reduction (DRR) culture needs to be mainstreamed in all sectors and
departments considering all hazards. In order to meet these challenges, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MoFDM) of

Government of Bangladesh initiated the Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP), which is supported by UNDP,
UKaid, EU and SIDA. During its first phase (2004-2009) a large number of activities have been carried out, where especial emphasis
was also given to professionalizing the disaster management system in Bangladesh.
1.1
Requirement of Professionals: In Bangladesh, presently many officials posted in different disaster management agencies
and other sectoral agencies to carry out tasks, have experienced at some time in their careers on the impact of flood or cyclones, they
may not necessarily have the broader knowledge, skills set and experience required enabling them to drive strategic whole government
risk reduction initiatives. For this, prime solution could be to create a new disaster management cadre, which need complete
professional education with basic degree on disaster management. Therefore, specialized personnel or professionals requirement are
inevitable having specialized knowledge and skills. They will have through education on all-hazards approach for all sectors and due
activities for all phases of disaster management (risk assessment, risk reduction, prevention and emergency preparedness, relief,
recovery, reconstruction and development). Thus, disaster management personnel can be made effective and invaluable for public and
private departments during, before and after disaster strikes. They would be able to manage emergency situations and respond to the
needs of the people and areas affected in a timely and efficient manner. They may be able to respond effectively for evacuating people
from a town in danger, managing the distribution of food and other relief materials to people in crisis, or overseeing the provision of
primary medical care to injured people. In view of the above, disaster management cadre is needed for managing large and small
disaster emergencies and respective risk reduction initiatives in Bangladesh (Challenging Time 2009), considering cyclone,
earthquake, fire, landslides and biological disasters etc. This is also a prerequisite as Bangladesh is a signatory of HFA (2005).
2 Planned activities: Under CDMP phase I, activities were carried out to incorporate DRR and CC into all level of education in order
have professionalized DM system in Bangladesh. This was aimed at incorporating DRR and CC issues in text books at elementary
and secondary level of education and prepare complementary books besides having co-curricular activities at schools and colleges. At
the tertiary levels, introducing new courses on DRR and CC in different degree programme e.g. agriculture, engineering, medical and
social sciences was planned. Specialized degree programme e.g Post-graduate Diploma on Disaster management, Post-graduate
Diploma on Earthquake engineering, Bachelor of Science in Disaster Management (B.Sc. Hons in DM) and Masters of Disaster
Management (MDM) have been planned. In order to support existing work forces in public and private departments, incorporating
DRR and CC sessions in foundation training courses, introduce tailored certificate course on DRR and CC and specialized on the jobtraining have also been planned.
3 Achievements: During CDMP phase I, a substantial progress has been made in this areas
3.1
Human resource development plan: One of the important activities of the MoFDMs human resource development plan.
Under CDMP I, this has been lunched through drafting learning and developed strategy and its implementation in small
scale. DM training needs analyses (TNA) and training implementation strategy has also been drafted including the yearly
training plan of MoFDM.
3.2
DRR and CC issues in elementary and secondary level text books: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been
signed with National Curriculum and Text Book Board (NCTB) and planned activities were carried out in 2008-2009,
accordingly. The NCTB has introduced general disaster management issues in Social Sciences, General Science, geography,
Bangla, English books, which is being reviewed now as part of regular updating and in order incorporate DRR and CC risk.
3.3
Network established and provided professional week-long training course on disaster Management: Bangladesh
Disaster Management Education, Research and Training Network (BDMERTN) was established in 2008 consisted of 22
stakeholders institutes including NCTB, departments/disciplines under main public& private universities and leading public
training institutes. These are Dhaka University (DU), Jahangirnagar University (JU) University of Rajshahi (RU), Bangladesh
Agricultural University (BAU), Khulna University (KU), Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Mawlana
Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU), BRAC University, Independent University Bangladesh (IUB),
Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC), Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy, Bangladesh
Rural Development Academy (BARD), Rural Development Academy (RDA), National Academy for Educational
Management (NAEM), Armed Forces Division (AFD). A week-long training course has been developed on comprehensive
disaster management. A total of 268 trainers/teachers/disaster managers were trained in the ToTs programme which were
conducted at BARD and RDA. Besides, a total 800 persons in 20 batches were trained on professional certificate course on
comprehensive disaster management through different partners. Furthermore, the following training modules are being
developed through partnership with the training institutes;
3.3.1 Certificate program in Disaster Management for sustainable rural development (developed jointly with BARD)
3.3.2 Certificate program in Disaster Management for Armed Forces (developed jointly with AFD)
3.3.3 Certificate program in Disaster Management for Administration cadre (developed with BCS Administration Academy)
3.4
Post-Graduate Diploma program in Disaster Management (PGDDM): There are five Diploma courses are being pilot
tested (having 25 candidates of each course) in the Department of Sociology of DU, Institute of Social Welfare (ISWR) of
DU, PSTU and Environmental Science Discipline (ESD) and Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline (BGE) in
KU. The five PGDDM program will provide major five flavors on disaster management e.g. emphasis on technology,

agriculture environmental management, sociology and social work. Department of Environmental Science and Disaster
Management of PSTU, developed curricula and lunched a postgraduate diploma course on DM for existing and potential
disaster managers where candidates are from agricultural and forestry background. BGE of KU lunched their PGDDM where
candidates are mainly from biotechnology background. ESD of Khulna University developed curricula and initiated the
PGDDM where candidates are from environmental science background. The Department of Sociology of the DU lunched the
PGDDM and received candidates from social sciences background. The ISWR of DU has developed curricula and launched
a postgraduate diploma course on DM (25 students having at least graduate degree in relevant field are participating). In all
the programs, a significant portion (one-fifth) of these students is selected from non-governmental organizations (NGO) and
government officials involved in various development activities including disaster management.
3.5
Masters in Disaster Management: Support were given to BRAC University, to introduce Post-graduate Program on
Disaster Management since 2005 and under CDMP-CDVS, DU, Masters in disaster management course curriculum and
syllabus were developed and lunched the Master of Disaster Management (MDM). This is a two year-long professional
MDM, which absorbed the previous CDMP supported PGDDM and certificate program. A total 33 GoB official have
participated in the Courses with support from CDMP and 25 get admitted in DU program.
3.6
Bachelor of Science in Disaster Management: Under CDMP-PSTU partnership this undergraduate degree program in
disaster management has been developed. University Grants Commission, Bangladesh has approved the B.Sc. (Hons.) in DM
curriculum for PSTU. Accordingly PSTU has been lunched the degree program from 2010. Twenty five (25) students are
being enrolled under the Faculty of Agriculture for the newly designed degree program of 152 credits in 4 years. The program
covers basic courses in meteorology, geology, engineering, climatology, earth science, soil science, geography, environmental
sciences, oceanography, agricultural sciences, social sciences, and other management sciences. Detailed courses regarding
the program can be found in www.pstu.edu.bd.
3.7
Compulsory subject on DM for relevant degree prgramme: A course for 3 credit hours named Introduction to Disaster
Management has been developed and pilot tested in MBSTU and BAU. The Board of Studies Committee of the Department
of Environmental Science, BAU, Mymensingh and Department of Environmental science and resource management of
MBSTU have accepted the modified syllabus of Introduction to DM, which is now being taught at Masters level degree
program as a compulsory course. The modification was done by incorporating recommendations of an expert consultation
workshop. This can be introduced in undergraduate program B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences, Engineering and Business degree
program.
3.8
Workshops on reviewing DRR and CC issues in curricula: A total of 30 workshops on DM curriculum review were
conducted. About 1500 participants have participated from the academic and training institutions under CDMP's partnership
program to review existing course curricula of the respective institutions and to incorporate DRR and CC topics in their
respective institutional training and educational programs / courses. Major relevant faculties, degree awarding departments
also reviewed their existing curricula of their Bachelors and Masters programs.
3.9
Training workshop with BCS cadres:
3.9.1 DM Training for BCS Administration Cadre: This civil service cadre of GoB plays major role in disaster management at
upazilla, district, city corporation and national levels. Their representatives are members/chairs in respective disaster
management committees (DMCs) and work as disaster managers. Senior officials e.g. Joint Secretaries and above play a
role in DRR policy making. As part of incorporation of DRR and CC issues in national piolicy a day-long training
workshop on mainstreaming disaster risk reduction was organized with BPATC where 25 joint secretaries have
participated. Officials of 560 BCS Administrations cadre have participated in a two-day long training course on DM, which
was developed through expert consultation and jointly arranged by the BPATC and the BCS Administration Academy.
Besides, 89 Assistant Commissioners, 36 Deputy Secretaries and 19 Joint Secretaries were familiarized with the six CDMP
intervention schemes in six Districts through field visit and monitoring program. The BCS Administration Academy also
arranged field visit program for entry level administrative cadre officials at those disaster prone areas where CDMP has
adopted risk reduction interventions. Similar programs were also launched by for mid and senior level officials belonging
to 27 cadres. A total of 160 officials (at entry, mid and senior levels) belonging to different cadres of civil service received
practical orientation on DRR.
3.9.2 DM Training for BCS General and Technical Education cadre: BCS education cadre (general and technical) plays a
significant role in awareness raising of DRR and CC issues. NAEM, as mandated organization for training and
development of the BCS education cadre was brought under DM network and has included a 3 hour-long session on DM in
their regular program for the BCS education cadres services. Seven training workshops were conducted to validate the

training materials developed for education cadres. Besides, in the regular foundation training courses for BCS education
cadre services personnel DRR and CC issues has been incorporated and delivered in three sessions for 12 batches (each of
80 participants).
3.9.3 DM Training for BCS Health care: As an important part of disaster management health sector plays significant role. The
training academies, BARD and RDA as part of the responsibilities developed modules on DRR and CC sessions for
incorporation in the training module for BCS health care officials. At initial stage, the sessions were delivered by CDMP.
A total 480 BCS Health cadres officials (10 batches) were thus trained DRR at the foundation training courses. Now the
sessions are included and are being delivered by their faculty members of BARD and RDA.
3.9.4 DM for sustainable rural development: A tailored course on DM for sustainable rural development has been developed
jointly with BARD. Twenty five (25) GOB, UN, INGO and national NGO were participated in the course course, at
BARD.
3.9.5 DM training for armed forces: Disaster management and climate change issues has been incorporated in the Passed Staff
Course (PSC) module and delivered to 440 armed forces officials from home and abroad (in 2 batches) through training
workshops. The workshops were organized jointly with Defense Service Command and Staff College (DSCSC) of AFD.
Furthermore, a tailored participatory training course and experience sharing of Flood and cyclone 2007 and 2009 was
organized for 30 Armed Forces officials. The events were organized under the MoU with AFD at BIPSOT, Rajendrapur
and Signal School, Jessore Cantonment.
3.10
Leadership in Disaster management course: As part of the leadership development in DRR and CC field, a tailored course
on Leadership in DM has been developed with Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) and 20 GoB officials attended the
course in IUB.
3.11
DM training abroad: In order to familiarize of the DM system in abroad, 26 MoFDM/GoB officials attended DM
certificate course in Swinburne University, Australia and ADPC, Bangkok, BD.
4
Research: Under the CDMP grant, this year about 45 students were selected for their thesis/terms paper/graduate projects
on disaster management issues identified by concerned expert group. In most cases professional from CDMP supervised jointly with
the University supervisory bodies. Ten (10) theses have already published/submitted to concerned departments and rest of them will
be submitted in couple of months.
5.
Strategies adopted: The above activities have been carried out with the mandated organizations/institutions as outlined the
SOD. In carrying out the activities public institutions/universities/DM committees took the lead while CDMP played
facilitating/supporting role by providing resource and technical support. In many cases, public resource supports were also placed to
the joint activities. The process initiated by signing MoU on resource and knowledge sharing with concerned stakeholders and then
financial agreement was made on specific tasks. The task based agreements were then followed in implementing the planned
activities.
6.
Lesson learned: The national DM Education, Research and Training Network has made substantial progress in introducing
DM courses in the public training institutes and academies. Continuation and further expansion of the above activities could support in
achieving a professional and standardized DM system where DRR is embedded in the institutions and fully decentralized and
institutionalized. A tripartite dialogue (universities, University Grants Commission, CDMP) aimed at exploring practical options for
structured GoB subsidiary budget allocations, in order to establish a mechanism ensuring sustainability to the Education, Research and
Training Network. Furthermore, assessing the specific job market requests in the DM sector is a prime need. This will be functional to
tailor the activity to the needs of the working world, so narrowing the focus on targeted departments and institutes with very specific
syllabus, etc. In addition to that facilities for E-learning on DM should be ensured as well as feedback through lesson learning
mechanisms.
7
Way forward: The above activities have strengthened countrys disaster management capacities, meanwhile which are
acknowledged by many other nations in international forum. Challenges were to have a paradigm shift from a reactive disaster
response programme to proactive comprehensive risk reduction approaches, programme designing and implementation, however, the
following are the issues need to consider in future planning;
Strengthening and networking with wide range of national and international humanitarian agencies, academic and training
institutes
Enhancement of the capacity of partners in terms of infrastructure, training, curriculum, syllabus, resource material
development and procurement for education, research and training support
Ensuring sustainability of the programme and building linkages with competent authorities for employment of the
professionals.
6.0 Reference
BCCSAP 2009. Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. Ministry of environment and Forest.
Challenging Times, 2009. CDMP Newsletter, CDMP, MoFDM

HFA, 2005. Hyogo Framework for Action, ISDR

Islam, M. 2009. Disaster risk reduction in Bangladesh public education system - special emphasis on tornado Paper presented at the
International Forum on Tornado disaster risk reduction for Bangladesh organized by GOB, BDPC, GCOE, IAWE on 13-14 th
December, at the Hotel Sheraton, Dhaka, Bangladesh

ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY ECO-TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Professor Dr. Engr. Mohamood Akatarul Islam Chowdhury

Head, CEE, SUST
INTRODUCTION
Bangladesh, the land of rivers-canals-ponds with a vast wetland, hills and forests specially the worlds largest mangrove forest
Sunderban and the worlds longest sea beach Coxs Bazar has an exceptional geological and geographical feature, unique
strategic structure, and wonderful natural beauty that introduces Bangladesh as the Queen of the East. Such glorious identities
can play a vital role in the sustainable development (SD) although now-a-days Bangladesh is under the severe threat of gradual
depletion in the field of environment, infra-structure and other development entities. Unfortunately for the lack of proper
initiative, adequate development is not ensured to achieve sustainability in handling environmental degradation. In this regard,
Eco-technology can be a timely mechanism to attain sustainability to develop a prosperous Bangladesh.
SUSTAINABILITY
Definitions of sustainability may be expressed as statements of fact, intent, or value with sustainability treated as either a "journey" or
"destination" where we are now, where we need to be going, and how we are to get there are all open to interpretation and will
depend on the particular context under consideration.
Sustainability is a process which tells of a development of all aspects of human life affecting sustenance that means resolving the
conflict between the various competing goals known as three dimensions (triple bottom line) with is the resultant vector being
technology. The dimensions of sustainability are often taken to be: environmental, social and economic, known as the "three
pillars". These can be depicted as three overlapping circles (or ellipses), to show that they are not mutually exclusive and can be
mutually reinforcing as shown in figure 1.
[

Figure 1: Three pillers of sustainability

Sustainability, in a broad sense, is the capacity to endure that

can be defined in biological terms as the ability of an
ecosystem to maintain ecological processes, functions,
biodiversity and productivity into the future. The word
'sustainability' has become a wide-ranging term that can be
applied to almost every facet of life on Earth, from a local to a
global scale and over various time periods. Long-lived and
healthy wetlands and forests are examples of sustainable
biological systems. Invisible chemical cycles redistribute water,
oxygen, nitrogen and carbon through the world's living and
non-living systems, and have sustained life for millions of
years. As the earths human population has increased, natural
ecosystems have declined and change in the balance of natural
cycles has had a negative impact on both humans and other
living systems.

Sustainability issues are generally expressed in scientific and environmental terms, but implementing change is a social challenge that
entails, among other things, international and national law, urban planning and transport, local and individual lifestyles and ethical
consumerism.
Efforts to live more sustainably can take many forms from reorganizing living conditions (e.g., eco-villages, eco-municipalities, ecotowns, green cities, and sustainable cities), reappraising economic sectors (green building, sustainable agriculture, ecological
industries, eco-tourism, eco-sanitation, eco-fishery, eco-poultry etc.), or work practices (sustainable architecture, ecological zero-waste
management, ecological urbanization), using science to develop new technologies (eco-technology, green technologies, renewable
energy), to adjustments in individual life styles as well as family, society, local, national, regional and global lives.
Economic Sustainability
Agenda 21 clearly identified information, integration, and participation as key building blocks to help countries to achieve
development that recognizes these interdependent pillars. It emphasizes that in sustainable development everyone is a user and
provider of information and stresses the need to change from old sector-centred ways of doing business to new approaches that
involve cross-sectoral co-ordination and the integration of environmental and social concerns into all development processes.

Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is the process of making sure current processes of interaction with the environment are pursued with the
idea of keeping the environment as pristine as naturally possible based on ideal-seeking behavior.
Sustainable Living in Society
One approach to sustainable living, exemplified by small-scale urban transition towns and rural eco-villages, seeks to create selfreliant communities based on principles of simple living, which maximize self-sufficiency particularly in food production on a
broader scale, underpin the concept of a bioregional economy while other approaches, loosely based around new urbanism, are
successfully reducing environmental impacts by altering the built environment to create and preserve sustainable urban centers
which support sustainable housing, transport etc. Residents in compact urban neighborhoods drive fewer miles, and have
significantly lower environmental impacts across a range of measures, compared with those living in sprawling suburbs.
Sustainable living is fundamentally the application of sustainability to lifestyle choice and decisions which itself is expressed as
meeting present ecological, societal, and economical needs without compromising these factors for future generations.
Sustainability Principle

1. Reduce dependence upon fossil fuels, underground metals, and minerals

2. Reduce dependence upon synthetic chemicals and other unnatural substances
3. Reduce encroachment upon nature,
4. Meet human needs fairly & efficiently
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (SD)
Sustainable development refers to the economic development that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their needs. Sustainable design and sustainable development are critical factors to sustainable living. Sustainable
design encompasses the development of appropriate technology, which is a staple of sustainable living practices. Sustainable
development in turn is the use these technologies in infrastructure. Sustainable architecture, construction, and agriculture are the most
common examples of this practice. Sustainable development is subjected to the following objectives:

reviving growth;
changing the quality of growth;

meeting essential needs for jobs, food, energy, water and sanitation;

conserving and enhancing the resource base;

reorienting technology and management techniques;

merging environment and economics in decision making.

Structural Adjustment for Sustainable Development

A structural adjustment is essential to achieve sustainable

development in the practical fields. A model structural
adjustment for sustainable development is depicted in the
figure 2.
ECO-TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT

Figure 2: Structural Adjustment for Sustainable

Development

Conventional technology lacking with environment friendly

criteria whatever the centralized or individual or off-site or
on-site system has been failed to give the sustainable
solutions in response to the massive environmental problems
providing adequate and safe utility services and
infrastructure facilities to the people live in urban or semiurban centers throughout the world even due to the initial
cost as well as operation and maintenance expenses are often
too much higher than the ability or non-friendliness to the
natural environment by more mechanization or artificialness.
In a situation of dreadful scenario but dreamed with future
prospect, it is obvious that enormous new challenges leads to
need to re-think, a crying need to raise the status of civic life
with new approaches, techniques and methods in order to
use the digital technology merged with adequate up-to-date
planning, design, implementation, operation and
maintenance.

As a result, conventional systems are coming under increasing criticism because they deprive in environment friendly facilities and
automated operation and maintenance. In that context, ecological technology or eco-technology being an ecosystem approach
and sustainable system in the ecological cycle treating human needs, behavior based on the available local resources to be
recycled avoiding the minimal waste of resource as much as possible to protect global air, water resources and enriching the
soil environment of the subsurface may be an appropriate alternative approach to conventional technology to improve the
socio-economic, health and environmental condition leading to sustainability in low income poor countries of the third world
like Bangladesh. In addition, Environment friendly economic ecological technologies can be developed in each district at first
stage, in each upazilla at second stage and then at each union of Bangladesh at third stage to save the valuable water resources,
and finally at the urban areas (eco-town) to re-use the waste and refuse whatever be the liquid or solid in the cyclic process of
closing the loop in overall management in stead of linear concept leading to sustainable development of nature conservation
and up-keeping biodiversity.
Ecological technology or simply eco-technology is based on the major components of nature and additive to nature that tries to solve
the problem of the society using natural or man-made or semi-natural devices in such a way that it cannot hamper the nature, natural
life at all or affects the nature and natural life significantly that cannot dominate the nature by artificial components. Eco-technology
will play a vital role to form the different organ of eco-friendly life in the society through the new approach to ecological cycle
which is a sustainable closed loop system based on three fundamental aspects:
Rendering human life safe,
Preventing pollution rather than attempting to control it after we pollute it, and
Using the safe products for every sector of the living bodies such eco-agriculture for agricultural purpose, eco-plantation, ecopoultry, eco-culture and eco-aqua-culture and eco-fishery, eco-housing and hosing material, eco-forestry, eco-transport for living
bodies other than human.
Eco-technology represents a vision of sustainable technological systems which are based on a systematic material-flow-oriented
recycling process that constitutes promising, up-to-date, holistic alternatives to conventional solutions enhancing to natural behavior
as much as possible. Ideally eco-technology permit the complete recovery of all possible kind of materials, resources, energy etc.
benefiting the nature and living bodies and minimizing pollution, as well as allowing economic use of commodities and products and
its maximal reuse particularly for the beneficial purpose.
[

The Criteria of Ecological Technology

An ideal system of Eco-technology contributes toward the goal of equity in society and a sustainable society must meet or on the way
towards meeting the following criteria:
Prevention of disease
Minimum pollution
Affordability
Protection of environment
Acceptability
Simplicity.
The Main Component of Ecological Technology
The main components of ecological eco-technology as shown in figure 3 are:
Nature including climate (humidity, temperature), water (quantity, ground water level) and soil (stability, permeability,
pickability)
Society includes settlement pattern (concentration/dispersed, low/high rise), attitudes (fecophobic/fecophilic), habits
(washers/wipers), beliefs and taboos related to human excreta as well as economic status of the community
Process may be of physical, biological and chemical
Device mean the on-site structures specially built for defecation and urination.
ENVIRONMENT
FRIENDLY
ECOLOGICAL
TECHNOLOGY IN BANGLADESH
Environment friendly ecological technology can be effectively
used for the development of Bangladesh in the field of
Devic
Societ
agriculture, industry, urbanization, housing, transport, fishery,
e
y
animal husbandry, poultry, forestry, tourism, river and lake water
management, waste water management, solid waste management,
Proces
human waste management, industrial effluent management,
s
ecological water conservation, minimizing green house gas
Figure 3: Main Basis or Components of Eco-technology emission especially carbon emission etc., to increase food and
crop production, to protect bio-diversity and to ensure
(Chowdhury1, 2008)
sustainability.
Broad based application of ecological technology can form the ecological village or eco-urban centers in the urban, semi-urban centers
and rural agglomerations of Bangladesh if the proper and adequate planning is taken into consideration of the policy makers of the
Government.

Nature

Developing Eco-village or eco-urban centers throughout the country

Eco-village or eco-urban centers (eco-model-towns/cities) based on the broad based economic ecological technology can be developed
- at least one in each district at first stage,
- at least one in each upazilla at second stage and then
- at least one in each union and
- finally a significant numbers at the urban areas (eco-model-town) of Bangladesh
to construct environment friendly infrastructures, green buildings, sustainable built environment, to develop environment friendly
transport system, to save the valuable water resources, to re-use the waste and refuse whatever be the liquid or solid in the cyclic
process of closing the loop in sanitation and overall management in stead of disposal of linear concept leading to zero waste, to reduce
the emission of green house gases especially carbon emission, to consume green house gases and to prevent sea level rise significantly
[

[[

leading to sustainable development by nature conservation and up-keeping biodiversity through

eco-agriculture to increase the production capacity per hacters and to improve the quality of crops and grain especially taste of
crops;
ecological river clean-up program to protect the rivers specially Buriganga, Balu, Karnaphuly, Kushiara, Sitalakhya, Surma,
Rupsa, Turag etc. from river pollution;
ecological river and lake management always ensuring free natural flow of river instead of suppression to river flow;
ecological sanitation to reduce green house gas emission;
ecological water conservation to conserve water for increasing food production;
eco-friendly marketing and marketing facilities to preserve foods and food materials;
eco-industrial park for establishing industries with eco-friendly treatment facilities to reduce green house gas emission;

ecological disposal system of wastewater to avoid gigantic amount of sludges and reduce the emission of green house gases;
ecological solid waste management utilizing source separation, Rs, animal feeding, vermiculture etc. to reduce emission of green
house gases;
eco-friendly use of plenty of flood and storm water of rainy season by excavating large dighee (gigantic pond) or large pond with
higher bank in the upstream slope area to prevent entering of flood water in the rainy season to supply drinking and cooking
water to inhabitants of the village throughout the year;
eco-friendly use of rain water through rain-water harvesting and storing water to use for drinking and cooking purpose as well in
the agriculture;
ecological
forestry
to consume green hose gases like carbon gases;
Prospering
in
Increasing the
shrimp culture
eco-friendly
tree plantation ofEco-Fishing
local species abundantly in towns and cities to consume
green house gases;
Eco-Agriculture
and fresh water
production capacity
eco-fishing
culture);
fishes (todays shrimp culture of Bangladesh is not eco-fishing but destroying future prospects of shrimp
of foods and crops
eco-fishing cum eco-poultry using poultry excreta as the potential fish food;
ecological animal husbandry for cow-goats-sheep etc. establishing planned dairy farms;
Using poultry
Ecological
River as developing Protecting
eco-tourism
managing vast wetland and forest whatever be the mangrove or aquatic
as well
eco-park,theeco-garden,
excreta as the fish
Clean-Up Program
Eco-Fishing cum
rivers from river
zoos/mini
zoos etc. to consume
green house gases;
food
Eco-Poultry
pollution
eco-mother fishery in Halda river, Hakaluki and Tangua haor;
eco-transport system to reduce the emission of green hose gases;
constructing
eco-friendly cross dam as the best preventive measure against sea level rise due to climate
change increasing
Establishing
Ensuring free
Ecological River and
temperature
rise.
planned
cattle
Lake Management
natural flow of
Ecological Animal
farms and
plenty
finally
environment
friendly
eco-housing in the form of tower building(s)/house(s) using eco-building materials.
In eco-housing
Husbandry
river
of dairy foods
between two buildings enough spaces at least about the width of the buildings should be provided for continuous free wind flow
from nature.
Solar andDeveloping
wind energy
etc.) ofcan
be used
eco- as well as other renewable energy (e.g. energy from trees, plants, grasses, vegetables, bushes
Separation
human
to meet the
power
demand of the eco-villages.
fromfeces
Patarkuchi
can
and
Eco-Tourism In this regard, Pilot Power Plant installed in Jagannath Universityurine,
park,
eco-garden,
Ecological Sanitation
using as fertilizer,
be a goodzoos/mini
example.
soil conditioner
.etc. will guard the bio-diversity, consume the green house gases, reduce green house gas
Such an zoos.
eco-village
emission and the
environmental pollution to the minimum level, guarantee the fresh air circulation in the form of natural air condition and ventilation,
Eco-Mother
Increasingmake
fish certain wholesome
save the wetlands,
water supply to all the citizens to fulfill the minimum water demand, conserve the forest,
Fishery
production
attract abundant number of tourists, ensure the food security of the people and finallyEcological
achieve Water
the sustainability
by creating
Efficient
use of the scopes
Conservation
conserved
to fulfill the demand of the future generations.
water

AnUsing
idealized
conceptual structure of environment friendly eco-technology
is depicted in figure 4.
rain water
Environmentfor drinking,
cooking purpose
as well in
agriculture

Efficient consumption
of GHGs

Eco-Friendly Use of
Rain Water through
Rain-Water Harvesting

Friendly EcoTechnology for

Sustainable
Development

Eco-Friendly
Marketing

Using hygienic and

non-harmful
chemicals to preserve
foods

Establishing
Eco-Friendly Tree
Plantation

Eco-Industrial Park

industries with
proper treatment
facilities

Banning cultivation of
alien species, using
eco-fertilizer, and
efficient consumption
of GHGs
Ensuring efficient
participation of
people in forestry

Using CNG instead

of diesel, petrol,
gasoline etc to reduce
GHGs.

Tower building(s)/
house(s) for sound
health to reduce
carbon emission

Ecological Forestry

Ecological Disposal
System of Wastewater

Reuse and
recycle of
wastewater.

Socio-Ecological
Forestry
Ecological Solid
Waste Management
Eco-Transport
System

Environment
Friendly EcoHousing

Eco-Friendly Use of Plenty

of Flood and Storm Water of
Rainy Season

Figure 4: Environment Friendly Eco-technology for Sustainable

Utilizing
source
separation and
Rs

Using in the
crop field in dry
season and in
house work.

SCIENTIFIC AND DIGITAL USE OF ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

If the ecological technology is predicted, planned, designed, implemented, operated and maintained properly with the aid of
information technology (IT) based digital engineering from a central digital station CDCS (as shown in figure 5) for each utility
incorporating the socio-economic factors it will certainly change the scenario of a locality, society and country and will ensure
sustainable development achieving economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and social sustainability. The engineers
responsible for planning, design and construction will look for environment friendly construction material for instance eco-concrete,
eco-aggregate, eco-admixtures, eco-steel like fiber steel, eco-column, eco-slab, eco-wall using bamboo, cane, jute stick etc. eco-roof
using straw, leaves etc. In the same way transportation engineers engaged for planning, design and construction of transport system
will choose environment-friendly alternatives. Based on these data stored in CDCS different techniques of Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse,
recycle, return, recovery, renew, refill, recharge, replace, repair, re-manufacture, re-haul and maintenance), will be implemented under
the direct supervision of Waste Management Section with the close interaction of CDCS for automation. Completion of Rs will
recommend the suitable disposal system of rest waste in a sustainable and environment friendly ways leading to zero waste which will
also be automated by CDCS.
FACTORS AFFECTING DIGITAL ECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY APART OF TECHNIQUES
Life is not stationary in the personal, individual, social, national, regional and international arena, rather changes with time, with
respect to social, cultural, economic, urban and industrial development altering the life style, values, norms, attitudes, behavior etc. to
cope with the effects of changes of natural as well man-made activities. Human interventions degrade the natural green environment
generating various types of emissions, pollutants, wastes as a result of modern urbanization and industrialization leading to causal
activities mostly adverse performed by both of upstream and downstream technical systems added by transport, housing etc. changing
green belt to brown blocks losing the sustainability in each sectoral domain (Chowdhury 2, 2009). Throughout the world, there are a lot
of technologies that enriched the civilization, enhanced the development, urbanization, industrialization, communication, transport
system etc. merging with environmental degradation. Unfortunately the success of the use of technology is not the uniform in all
countries which is entirely affected by a lot of cultural, social, economic, financial, global, local, political, psychological, regional, and
religious factors apart of techniques as shown in figure 6.

Figure 6: Important Factors Affecting Digital Ecological

Technology Apart of Techniques

CONCLUSION
In order to improve the citizen life of the
world threatened by climate change,
inadequate and unhygienic situation as
well a number of forthcoming crisis like
unplanned urbanization, pollution
causing transport systems, severe food
crisis due to lack of planned food
security, environment friendly ecotechnology may be the most effective
solution for constructing green
infrastructures in the urban centers,
introducing environment friendly
transport systems free of pollution as
much as possible, preventing all sorts of
pollution as well as providing the
benefits such as conserving and

REFERENCES
Chowdhury1 M.A.I. (2008); Ecological Engineering Looks for Eco-village. Sharanika, Engineers Institution, Bangladesh, Sylhet
Centre. pp 47-50.
Chowdhury2 M.A.I. (2008); Integrated Solid Waste Management for Urban Centers. Proceedings of National Seminar on Solid
Waste Management Waste Safe 2008. 9-10 February 2008. Khulna, Bangladesh. pp 103-117.
Chowdhury1 M.A.I. (2009); Role of Rs in the Minimization of Solid Waste Proceedings of the International Conference on Solid
Waste Management Technical, Environmental and Socio-economic Context - Waste Safe 2009. 9-10 November 2009. Khulna,
Bangladesh. pp 151-164.
Chowdhury2 M.A.I. (2009); Socio-economic Aspects of Solid Waste Management Proceedings of the International Conference on
Solid Waste Management Technical, Environmental and Socio-economic Context - Waste Safe 2009. 9-10 November 2009.
Khulna, Bangladesh. pp 165-175.

PROBABLE DAMAGE DUE TO AN EARTHQUAKE IN SYLHET AND

ENGINEERING MEASURES FOR MITIGATION OF LOSSES
Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed
Associate professor, CEE, SUST
Introduction
Bangladesh is one of the most earthquake prone countries in the world. Specialists are expecting a severe earthquake in this area in
near future, which will cause a serious human casualty, damages of infrastructure and other losses.
According to Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC-1993), the country is divided into three seismic zones and the most severe
zone is zone no. 3, which includes the north and northeastern areas of Bangladesh. Sylhet is the northeastern region of Bangladesh and
probability of earthquake in Sylhet is higher than other areas of this zone. Consequently, a severe destruction may take place due to
earthquake in this region. But most of the population and policy makers do not perceive seismic risk to be important.
The loss of life and property can be reduced to a considerable degree by the adaptation and implementation of proper planning,
improved structural design and construction procedures.
Major earthquakes affecting Sylhet and Seismic sources
During the last 150 years, at least 765 earthquakes of magnitude greater than 4 in Richter scale have affected Sylhet. The epicentral
distances from Sylhet of these earthquakes are less than 400 kilometers. Important earthquakes among these are Cachar earthquake of
1869 (Magnitude in Richter scale was 7.5), Bengal earthquake of 1885 (7.0), Great Indian earthquake of 1897 (8.7), Srimongal
earthquake of 1918 (7.6), Dhubri earthquake of 1930 (7.1) and Assam earthquake of 1950 (8.5).
The tectonic evaluation of Bangladesh can be explained as a result of collision of the north moving Indian plate with the Eurasian
plate. The whole Indian subcontinent is situated on the junction of these two plates. There are several fault zones active in this junction
area, which are the sources of earthquake. Bolt (1987 identified four major sources of earthquakes in and around Bangladesh: i) Assam
fault zone (Probable magnitude in Bangladesh is 8.0 in Richter scale) ii) Tripura fault zone (7.0) iii) Sub Dauki fault zone (7.3) and
iv) Bogra fault zone (7.0). Sylhet is situated in the Sub Dauki fault zone. Other fault zones are also very near to Sylhet region.
Unplanned urbanization in Sylhet region and seismic vulnerability
Recently some studies were performed on probable building damages due to earthquake in Sylhet city. From the studies it was found
that, in Sylhet, a larger proportion of buildings are old, non-engineered, without foundation, without continuous lintel and irregular
shaped, which are vulnerable to earthquake. On the other hand, most of the new buildings are unplanned and designed without
considering earthquake risk. It is seen from the study of Ahmed et al. (2005) that the numbers of houses that can be damaged due to
earthquake of intensity EMS VIII, IX, X in ward no. 7 of Sylhet city are 395, 666 and 739 respectively, where the total number of
houses of the area is 1238 . The total floor space of damaged buildings of ward no. 7 was estimated as 566766 sft, where EMS
intensity was considered as IX. The study also reveals that overall economic loss in intensity IX for the entire city due to building
damage can be estimated as 270 million US dollar (app.).
Architectural and engineering measures can reduce significantly the losses due to earthquake. But there are a lot of buildings in Sylhet,
which have been constructed without any consultation, or supervision of engineers. According to Rahman and Chowdhury (2003),
70% of multistoried building owners of Sylhet city have no idea about BNBC and 7% of multistoried building owners constructed
their buildings without taking permission from City Corporation. About 44% multistoried buildings were constructed not properly
following the BNBC.
There are some studies on the loss estimation of life lines of Sylhet city. In the study of Ahmed et al. (2006) economic loss estimation
of water supply pipelines at Sylhet city has been predicted for scenario earthquakes of intensity IX. All around 204 number of damage
point was found incurring the estimated direct monetary loss of 200 million US dollar for water pipelines for Sylhet city if secondary
effects such as liquefaction and landslide are ignored. Gas pipeline damage loss (direct monetary loss) due to scenario event
equivalent to 1918 Srimangal earthquake was estimated as 0.24525 million US dollar (Mamun, 2005). Akhter (2007) found out that
99% of electric transmission line of Sylhet city will be damaged if a IX intensity earthquake is occurred. The damage length was
estimated as 48.65 km.
Seismic effects on structures
The following occurrences happen during earthquake:
The whole building including contents are shaken from the position of rest
The earthquake motion results into vibration of the building along its all three axes

 The movement is reversible in direction. The number of cycles per second depends on the characteristics of earthquake as well as
the structure
Inertia forces are created on the masses due to ground acceleration. These are proportional to the mass of the system. Lighter the
material, smaller will be the earthquake force
Additional vertical load effect is caused on beams and columns due to vertical vibrations. Being reversible, at certain instant of time
the effective load is increased, at others it is decreased
The supporting members, walls or columns which were carrying only vertical loads before the earthquake, have now to carry
horizontal bending and shearing effects as well
The dumping in the building system has the effect to reduce the effective accelerations on the masses and higher the dumping
greater is the reduction
The dynamic and damage behavior of a building is a function of the stiffness and strength characteristics of the structural elements.
Precautionary measures from architectural and engineering point of view
Architectural and engineering measures can reduce significantly the losses due to earthquake. But builders often do not consider this
thing. Many of the building owners even did not take advice from engineers to construct their buildings. 70% of high-rise building
owners of Sylhet city have no idea about BNBC and 7% of high-rise building owners constructed their buildings without permission
of City Corporation. About 44% high-rise buildings were constructed not properly following the BNBC (1993). The following
provisions should be considered in building construction to minimize earthquake losses.
Provisions in Planning and Architecture
Urban planning: Urban planning is very important for minimizing the losses from earthquake. The condition of most of the roads of
Sylhet city is not suitable for post earthquake rescue and other activities. It was found that 80% of the roads of Sylhet city are
narrower than 4.5 m, which is not acceptable in this regard (Rahman and Chowdhury, 2003). Distance between two buildings should
be at least 2.5 m, which was maintained by only 44 % building owners. Every road should be wider and connected with at least two
other roads for frequent movement of rescue vehicles, ambulances and fire service etc. Proper distance between two buildings and
building and adjacent road should be maintained.
Emergency exit: Every building must have more than one exit doors and every multistoried building must have more than one
stairwell for emergency exit. Stair width should be at least 1.75 m.
Simplicity: The simplest structures have the greatest chance of survival. Torsional effects due to earthquake are less in simple/
regular structures than in complex/ irregular structures (Figure- 1).
Symmetry: Symmetry is important in both directions in plan
(Figure- 2), as well as in elevations. Lack of symmetry
produces torsional effects. All elements including stairwells and
lift shafts must be placed in proper way to maintain the
symmetry. Otherwise the center of rigidity (mass) shifts
substantially from the center of story shear, resulting ground
Symmetrical and
floor subjected to floor rotation as well as floor translation
desirable plans
(Figure- 2).

Long or unsymmetrical undesirable plans

Fig.- 1: Desirable and undesirable plans

Shear wall
Lift shaft
&
stairwell

Length in plan: Buildings, which are long in plan,

experience greater variation in ground movement and soil
conditions over their length than shorter ones. So, it is
always better to construct buildings with smaller length in
plan (Figure- 2). Long buildings can be divided into some
small parts, so that the whole building will not be affected
by earthquake.
Shape in elevation: Very slender structures and those with
sudden changes in width should be avoided in earthquake
prone areas. Very slender buildings have high column forces
and foundation stability may difficult to achieve. The ratio
of height and width of a building equal to or less than 4 is
preferred. Sudden changes in width of a building generally
imply a step in the dynamic response characteristics of the
building at that height.

Provisions in Soil mechanics and Foundation design

Most of the designers rarely consider different characteristics of
soil and its subsequent effects due to earthquake. Soil strength is
very important factor, which must be considered to design a
foundation. Some soil is hard, like rock, which can support even
over 10 tons per square foot, while other soil is weak, like loose
sand or organic soil. The position of ground water level is also an
important factor, which affects a building in earthquake. High
ground water level causes liquefaction of loose sands, which
results ground failure during earthquake. Unfortunately in many
areas of Sylhet region the water- table is very high.
Therefore, the following measures can be taken to reduce the
losses:
Proper soil investigations must be carried out
Proper foundation for the structural system depending upon soil
parameters should be selected
Strong foundation and weak superstructure philosophy can be
followed
Pile foundation or ground improvement techniques should be
provided for liquefaction zones
As the hillocks of Sylhet are not stable enough, it is wise to
avoid construction of buildings on and near the hillocks.
Provisions for RCC frame building design
It is appreciable that most of the new constructions in Sylhet city
are of RCC frame, which must have better performance to resist
earthquake than the masonry buildings. Unfortunately the
designers generally do not consider earthquake probability in
designing the buildings. As Sylhet is earthquake prone area, the
designers must follow the earthquake provisions mentioned in

BNBC. Here are some suggestions to follow for earthquake

resistant building design:
Soft story: Most of the high-rise buildings of Sylhet city stand
on only columns at their ground story for providing car parking
facility. For the absence of shear walls, the ground story
appears to be a soft story subjecting the building vulnerable to
earthquake very seriously. Ground story is subjected to highest
story-shear force and bending moment developed due to
earthquake induced horizontal forces. If this story (or any story
at lower level) is weaker than upper stories, a column sway
mechanism can develop with high local ductility demands on
columns, which may beyond their ductility capacity. It causes
failure of the whole building. The vulnerability due to soft story
may be minimized by supplying adequate quantity of RC shear
walls (Figure- 2) and/ or RC bracings and by using base
isolation system in the ground story.
Masonry infilled RC frames: Most of the buildings in Sylhet
are constructed with masonry infills in their RC frames.
Masonry infill usually consists of solid bricks supported only
by sand cement mortar. When the frames are subjected to
shaking due to earthquake, diagonal tensile spitting, diagonal
crushing, sliding and separation of all infills may occur
simultaneously (Figure- 3). Besides, the total weight of the
building becomes higher when solid bricks are used. It is
dangerous, because horizontal force due to earthquake is
directly proportional to the weight of the building. Using lighter
hollow bricks or blocks for infills may reduce these
vulnerabilities. These bricks or blocks can be strengthened and
secured by using rebars (Figure- 4). Wire or bamboo mesh may
also be used to secure the infilled materials in RC frames.

RC beam

RC column
Earthquake load

Brick infill

Rebar

Fig 3:
Condition of
masonry infill
in RCC during
earthquake

Fig 4:
Strengthening
and securing
masonry walls
using rebars

Weak beam strong column:

Weak beam strong column technology should be used to
design a seismic resistant frame, because, i) plastic hinges
that are developed at the beam-ends, have larger rotational
capacities than at column ends ii) mechanism involving
beam hinges have larger energy absorption capacity iii)
collapse of a beam results a localized failure, but collapse
of a column may cause the total failure of the building iv)
columns are more difficult to repair than beams.

Proper detailing of anchorage, splicing etc. should be

considered.
For complex structural system, appropriate 3-D
earthquake analysis is needed for design

Provisions for masonry building design

Masonry buildings are highly vulnerable during earthquake. They
cannot stand before dynamic loads created by earthquake. So,
construction of more than 4 storied masonry buildings should be
avoided in Sylhet region. The following measures can be taken to
Uniform and continuous distribution of strength and construct masonry buildings:
stiffness: In an earthquake resistant building there should
- Minimum width of the walls should be 10 inches
be uniform and continuous distribution of strength and
- Continuous lintel should be used
stiffness. For that:
- Hollow bricks are preferable instead of solid bricks
- Bars may be used in hollow bricks to strengthen the
All load bearing members must be uniformly distributed
walls
All columns and walls should be continuous and without
- Modified RC columns can be used in corners and near
offset vertically
the doors and windows of solid brick buildings
All beams must be without offset
- Using wire mesh also can strengthen the walls
Columns and beams should be co-axial
Reinforced concrete beams and columns must have
Old buildings strengthening technique
almost the same width
Principal members must not change their sections It has already been mentioned that there are many old buildings in
suddenly
Sylhet city that are very much vulnerable to earthquake. Most of
The structure should be as continuous and monolithic as them are masonry. Following measures can strengthen these
possible.
buildings:
Some other measures:
- Removing the plasters on walls and using wire meshes
- Removing vertically some bricks from walls specially in
corners and near the doors and windows and
It is better to use high strength steel
constructing there column- like RCC elements
Compression steel should be used
- Constructing similarly lintel- like RCC elements
Adequate stirrups should be used to ensure that shear
- Using bracings
failure does not precede flexural failure

Assam type buildings

After the great earthquake of 1897, people used to build a special type of buildings in this region, which is called Assam type. In this
type of buildings wooden frame is infilled with flexible material made of thash or bamboo and plastered by mud or cement. This type
is more or less suitable for earthquake prone area like Sylhet.

Conclusion
Earthquake in Sylhet region is inevitable. It is impossible to protect. So, the maximum preparation to minimize the losses due to
earthquake should be taken. Proper planning, designing and constructing buildings and other infrastructures are the best preparations
to manage the disaster. Peoples awareness about impacts and remedies of earthquake should be increased. Government, NGOs,
specialists, journalists, media people and all other concerned people should work together for that just from today.
References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Ahmed, M., Ansary, M.A., Chowdhury, M.A.I., Ahmed, M.H. Rahman, K.A. Khan Probable damage of water pipeline due
to earthquake in Sylhet, (2006)
Ahmed, M., Ansary, M.A., Chowdhury, M.A.I., Ahmed, M.S. and Rahman, M., Probable Building Damage by Earthquake in
Sylhet City, (2005)
Ahmed, M., Impact of earthquake: Sylhet perspective, (2003)
Akhter, FSeismic Assessment of Electric Utility Services of Sylhet City, B.Sc. Engineering Thesis, SUST, Sylhet, (2007)
Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC), (1993)
Bolt, B.A., Site-specific study of seismic intensity and ground motion parameters for proposed Jamuna river bridge,
Bangladesh, (1987)
Chowdhury, J.R., Seismic hazard in Bangladesh and emergency preparedness, (2000)

8.
9.

Mamun, M. A., Probable earthquake Damage of gas Pipe line in Sylhet City, B.Sc. Engineering Thesis, SUST, Sylhet (2005)
Padhi, B.C. and Pal, N.C., Earthquake resistant buildings, (2001)

Wastewater Diagnostic Report---A sample

Mohammad Shahidur Rahman, Asst. Professor, Dept of CEE, SUST.

WASTE IMAGING CENTRE LTD.

HOUSE: 00/00, ROAD: XYZ, SYLHET.
TEL: 0000000, FAX: 000-0000, E-MAIL:00@00MAIL.COM

ID No:
Name
Referred By:
Nature of specimen

101010
CEE, SUST
Session 2004-05
Domestic Wastewater

Date
Received :10/3/2010
Delivered:11/3/2010

Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR) Report

Estimation are carried out by WASTE RESPIROMETER (Model:WR-1001)
The fingerprint of OUR for this wastewater sample includes a first peak of about 35 ml/l-hr within the first 45 minutes of
contact that represents the oxidation of highly-biodegradable organic constituents which completely oxidized within next one
hour. A second group of readily biodegradable constituents caused a second high OUR peak between 3.5 and 4 hours. After
4.5 hours the OUR returns to endogenous rate which indicates that essentially all the organic constituents of the wastewater
were degraded.

Fig.: OUR of domestic sewage

FINDINGS:
NORMAL STUDY, LOW ORGANIC CONTENT AND LESS OXYGEN DEMAND.
Mr.ppkkll
Ph.D
Waste Biochemist & Engineer
DDPHE,
Sylhet.

Performance Evaluation of Triangular Single Reinforced Concrete Beam

H.M.A.Mahzuz,
Lecturer,CEE, SUST
Abstract:
Rectangular reinforced concrete beam section is a common shape used in general construction works. Different scale of performance
may be achieved if beam shape can be changed. In this paper effectiveness of triangular reinforced beam section is justified. At first
relevant mathematical equations for design are developed. After that necessary comparison is made with the existing equations for
rectangular sections. Comparison is made with respect to both bending moment and shear force. The entire research is done in
working stress design method (WSD) considering the beam as single reinforced. It is also assumed that tensile stress and compression
stress act at below and above the neutral axis respectively. That is mid section of a beam is only taken into account. It is seen from the
analysis that triangular RCC sections are better than rectangular ones both in terms of higher moment and shear taking ability. It
requires less steel usage having lower concrete volume as well. Which means triangular section ensures both less dead load and
economic safety.
Review of equations for rectangular Single Reinforced beam:
a) Equation for flexure:
The moment capacity of the concrete portion of a single reinforced beam having a width b and depth d is:

Mc

1
f c jkbd 2
2
2M c

f c jkb

(1)

The moment capacity of the steel portion of a single reinforced beam is

M s As f s jd

1 Ms
.. (2)
f s j As

Where j and k are coefficients, n is the modular ration. All of them depend on the elasticity of concrete and steel (

j 1 k

Es

Ec ,

n
fs

fc

f c 0.45 f c' and f s 0.4 f y ). These equations are very well established and known equations in

WSD.
b) Equation for shear:

In working stress design method the mathematical equation for

determining spacing of shear reinforcement for a rectangular
RCC beam section is:

s
Fig 1: Stirrup shapes in triangular section

dAv f v
(V Vc )

Where V is the imposed shear force, Vc = 1.1

f c' bd is the

shear force of the concrete section, d is the depth of the

rectangular section, Av is the steel area, f v is the allowable
steel stress. It is known that some extent of clear cover is provided in beams. Taking this in account the length of steel as the shear
reinforcement needed per ft of beam,

(V Vc ) 12
perimeter of the steel used
dAv f v

For beams of rectangle shape (Fig: 1), L R

(V Vc ) 12
2{(b 3) ( d 1.5)} (3)
dAv f y

Methodology:
The entire work is based on theatrical framework. No experimental work is done to judge the newly developed equations. At first
related equations are developed. The result of those equations is compared with the existing ones. All the results are plotted in tabular
form. Equation 1 and equation 4 are used to find the effective depths of rectangular and triangular sections respectively for the same
moment and beam width. Taking the help of these effective depths using 2 and equation 5 the corresponding steel area are plotted.
Four types of very common beam widths (10", 12", 15" and 18") are used for this purpose. Calculations are made for different
'
material properties ( f c and f y ) as well. Necessary comparisons for the different concrete area and steel area are made. To evaluate
the effectiveness of triangular section over rectangular ones considering the shear force equation 7 is used. Several computer programs
are written in the Programming Language C for the ease of calculation.
Development of equations for triangular Single Reinforced beam:
a) Equation for flexure:
To conduct this study at first simple empirical equations are developed. The beam is considered as a simple supported beam and also
as a single reinforced one (Fig.2). The triangular section is capable of cracking in tension and crushing in compression. The empirical
equations are varied due to the variation in compressive and tensile stress of the concrete and steel respectively. WSD is followed.

Fig.2: A Simple supported single reinforced beam

Fig. 3: Stress distribution at the maximum load

From the geometry (Fig. 3) it can be said that

b
b'

h h kd
b(h kd )
kd
b'
b(1
)
h
h
b b' b b
kd
bavg
(1
)
2
2 2
h
kd
bavg b(1
)
2h
k
Considering h d , bavg b(1 )
2
T stress area As f s
Tension,
compression,

b) Equation for shear:

A little consideration will reveal that in WSD method the mathematical
expression for determining spacing of shear reinforcement for a triangular
section is the same as that of rectangular RCC beam. That is if d is the depth
of the triangular section:

dAv f v
(V Vc )

At same cross sectional area (i.e, AR b d and AT

1 b 2d ) and
2

width b the depth of triangular section will be just twice of that of the
rectangular section. Therefore for such triangular RCC beam section the
and

equation for determining spacing of shear reinforcement: s

2dAv f v
(V Vc )

1
k
It means that the spacing will be just the twice of that of rectangular section.
f c b(1 )kd
2
2
Steel
Length
needed
per
ft
of
beam,
1
k
(
V

V
)

12
c
M c Force dis tan ce f c b(1 )kd jdL
perimeter of the steel used
T
2
2
2dAv f v
1
k
For triangle,
M c f c jkbd 2 (1 )
2
2

C stress area

2M c
f c jkb(1 k

LT

(4)

2)

(V Vc ) 12
(b 3) 2
{2 {2(d 1.5)}2
) (b 3)}
2dAv f y
4
..(6)

Similarly, M s Force dis tan ce As f s jd

M s As f s jd

1 Ms
(5)
f s j As

In Table 1-4 the comparisons of different empirical

equations are shown
Dividing equation 6 by equation 3:

(V Vc ) 12
(b 3) 2
{2 {2(d 1.5)}2
(b 3)}
2dAv f y
4
LT

(V Vc ) 12
LR
2{(b 3) (d 1.5)}
dAv f y
Fig. 4: Stirrup shapes in
triangular section

LT

LR

(b 3) 2
(b 3)
(7)
4
4{(b 3) ( d 1.5)}

2 4( d 1.5) 2

Result and Discussion:

'
After the formulation of the basic equations in this section they are applied for comparison. For the same width b, f c and f y for
different value of moment effective depths and steel areas are calculated. In all cases it is assumed that compression and tensile
stresses act at the above and below respectively. This calculation is made both for rectangular and triangular section. It is clear from
these tables that in each case there occur some saving in both concrete and steel area. The saving for concrete and steel area varies
'
from 42.83% to 45.12% and 8.896% to 12.54%. Such variation occurs due to the different combination of f c and f y . The detailed
results are shown in Table 1 to Table 4.
A little investigation will make it clear that at the same concrete area, beam width, steel area and allowable stress for any value ofd
and V

LT
1 . It means that for shear the usage of steel in a triangular section is comparatively lower than that of rectangular one.
LR

Therefore saving is also ensured. Table 5 shows that in all cases less steel is used in triangular section per linear ft in a beam that that
of rectangular ones.
Table 1:
Saving of concrete area = 45.12%, saving of steel area = 8.896%

f c' 3 ksi, f y 60 ksi , n = 9, k = 0.34, j = 0.89

M
(Kipinch)
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900

b = 10 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
7.00
9.99
12.12
13.99
15.65
17.14
18.51
19.79
20.99

7.68
10.86
13.03
15.36
17.17
18.81
20.32
21.72
23.04

0.67
0.95
1.16
1.34
1.5
1.64
1.77
1.89
2.01

0.61
0.86
1.06
1.22
1.36
1.49
1.61
1.72
1.83

b = 12 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
6.39
9.03
11.06
12.77
14.28
15.65
16.90
18.07
19.16

7.01
9.92
12.14
14.02
15.68
17.17
18.55
19.83
20.03

0.73
1.04
1.27
1.47
1.64
1.80
1.94
2.07
2.20

0.67
0.94
1.16
1.34
1.49
1.64
1.77
1.89
2.00

b = 15 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
5.71
8.08
9.90
11.43
12.77
13.99
15.12
16.16
17.14

6.27
8.87
10.86
12.54
14.02
15.36
16.59
17.74
18.81

0.82
1.16
1.41
1.64
1.83
2.01
2.17
2.31
2.46

0.75
1.06
1.29
1.49
1.67
1.83
1.98
2.11
2.24

b = 18 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
5.22
7.38
9.03
10.43
11.66
12.77
13.80
14.75
15.65

5.72
8.10
9.92
11.45
12.80
14.02
15.16
16.19
17.17

0.90
1.27
1.55
1.80
2.01
2.20
2.38
2.54
2.69

0.82
1.16
1.42
1.64
1.83
2.00
2.16
2.31
2.45

1000
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500

22.13
23.21
24.24
25.23
26.18
27.10

24.29
25.47
26.61
27.69
28.74
29.75

2.12
2.22
2.32
2.41
2.50
2.59

1.93
2.02
2.11
2.20
2.28
2.36

20.20
21.18
22.13
23.03
23.90
24.74

22.17
23.25
24.29
25.28
26.23
27.15

2.32
2.43
2.54
2.64
2.74
2.84

2.11
2.21
2.31
2.41
2.50
2.59

18.07
18.95
19.79
20.59
21.38
22.13

19.83
20.80
21.72
22.61
23.46
24.29

2.59
2.72
2.84
2.95
3.07
3.17

2.36
2.48
2.59
2.69
2.79
2.89

16.49
17.30
18.07
18.30
19.51
20.17

18.10
18.99
19.83
20.64
21.42
22.17

2.84
2.98
3.11
3.24
3.36
3.48

2.59
2.71
2.83
2.95
3.06
3.17

Table 2:
Saving of concrete area = 44.44%, saving of steel area = 10.00%

f c' 3 ksi, f y 40 ksi , n = 9, k = 0.43, j = 0.86

M
(Kipinch)
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
Table 4:

b = 10 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
6.33
8.95
10.96
12.66
14.15
15.50
16.75
17.90
18.99
20.01
20.99
21.92
22.82
23.68
24.51

7.14
10.10
12.37
14.29
15.97
17.50
18.90
20.21
21.43
22.59
23.69
24.75
25.76
26.73
27.68

1.15
1.62
1.99
2.30
2.57
2.81
3.04
3.25
3.44
3.63
3.81
3.98
4.14
4.30
4.45

1.02
1.44
1.76
2.03
2.27
2.49
2.69
2.88
3.05
3.21
3.37
3.52
3.67
3.81
3.94

b = 12 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
5.78
8.17
10.01
11.56
12.92
14.15
15.29
16.34
17.33
18.27
19.16
20.02
20.83
21.62
22.38

6.52
9.22
11.29
13.04
14.58
15.97
17.25
18.44
19.56
20.62
21.63
22.59
23.51
24.40
25.26

1.26
1.78
2.18
2.52
2.81
3.08
3.33
3.56
3.77
3.98
4.17
4.36
4.54
4.71
4.87

1.11
1.58
1.93
2.23
2.49
2.73
2.95
3.15
3.34
3.52
3.69
3.86
4.02
4.17
4.32

b = 15 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
5.17
7.31
8.95
10.34
11.56
12.66
13.67
14.62
15.50
16.34
17.14
17.90
18.63
19.34
20.02

5.83
8.25
10.10
11.67
13.04
14.29
15.43
16.50
17.50
18.45
19.35
20.21
21.03
21.83
22.59

1.41
1.99
2.43
2.81
3.14
3.44
3.72
3.98
4.22
4.45
4.66
4.87
5.07
5.26
5.45

1.25
1.76
2.16
2.49
2.79
3.05
3.30
3.52
3.74
3.94
4.13
4.32
4.49
4.66
4.83

b = 18 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
4.72
6.67
8.17
9.44
10.55
11.56
12.48
13.34
14.15
14.92
15.65
16.34
17.01
17.65
18.27

5.33
7.53
9.22
10.65
11.71
13.04
14.09
15.06
15.98
16.84
17.66
18.45
19.20
19.92
20.62

1.54
2.18
2.67
3.08
3.44
3.77
4.08
3.36
4.62
4.87
5.11
5.33
5.55
5.76
5.97

1.36
1.93
2.36
2.73
3.05
3.34
3.61
3.86
4.09
4.32
4.53
4.73
4.92
5.10
5.29

Saving of concrete area = 42.83%, saving of steel area = 12.54%

f c' 4 ksi, f y 40 ksi , n = 8, k =0.47 , j = 0.84

M
(Kip-inch)
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
Table: 05

b = 10 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
5.31
6.07 1.40 1.23
7.50
8.58 1.98 1.74
9.19 10.51 2.43 2.13
10.61 12.13 2.81 2.45
11.86 13.56 3.14 2.74
12.99 14.86 3.44 3.01
14.04 16.05 3.71 3.25
15.00 17.15 3.97 3.47
15.92 18.20 4.21 3.68
16.78 19.18 4.44 3.88
17.59 20.12 4.65 4.07
18.38 21.01 4.86 4.25
19.13 21.87 5.06 4.42
19.85 22.69 5.25 4.59
20.55 23.49 5.43 4.75
Beam depth
d
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

b = 12 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
4.84
5.54 1.54 1.34
6.85
7.83 2.17 1.90
8.39
9.59 2.66 2.33
9.69 11.07 3.07 2.69
10.83 12.38 3.44 3.01
11.86 13.56 3.76 3.29
12.81 14.65 4.06 3.56
13.70 15.66 4.34 3.80
14.53 16.61 4.61 4.03
15.31 17.51 4.86 4.25
16.06 18.36 5.10 4.46
16.78 19.18 5.32 4.66
17.46 19.96 5.54 4.85
18.12 20.70 5.75 5.03
18.76 21.44 5.95 5.21

b = 15 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
4.33
4.95 1.72 1.50
6.13
7.00 2.43 2.12
7.50
8.58 2.98 2.60
8.66
9.90 3.44 3.00
9.69 11.07 3.84 3.36
10.61 12.13 4.21 3.68
11.46 13.10 4.55 3.97
12.25 14.01 4.86 4.25
13.00 14.86 5.15 4.51
13.70 15.66 5.43 4.75
14.37 16.43 5.70 4.98
15.01 17.15 5.95 5.20
15.62 17.85 6.19 5.42
16.21 18.53 6.43 5.62
16.78 19.18 6.65 5.82

b = 18 (inch)
d (inch)
As (inch2)
Rec
Tri
Rec Tri
3.95
4.52 1.88 1.65
5.59
6.39 2.66 2.33
6.85
7.83 3.26 2.85
7.91
9.04 3.76 3.29
8.84 10.11 4.21 3.68
9.69 11.07 4.61 4.03
10.46 11.96 4.98 4.35
11.18 12.79 5.32 4.66
11.86 13.56 5.65 4.94
12.50 14.30 5.95 5.21
13.11 14.99 6.24 5.46
13.70 15.66 6.52 5.70
14.26 16.30 6.79 5.93
14.79 16.92 7.04 6.16
15.31 17.51 7.29 6.37

LT/LR
b = 10
0.572
0.602
0.652
0.708
0.761
0.805
0.840
0.868
0.890
0.908
0.921
0.933
0.942
0.949
0.955
0.961

b = 12
0.539
0.565
0.611
0.666
0.720
0.768
0.807
0.839
0.865
0.885
0.902
0.916
0.927
0.936
0.943
0.950

b = 15
0.510
0.529
0.568
0.619
0.672
0.722
0.765
0.801
0.831
0.855
0.875
0.892
0.905
0.917
0.926
0.934

b = 18
0.493
0.508
0.539
0.584
0.635
0.684
0.729
0.768
0.800
0.828
0.851
0.870
0.885
0.899
0.910
0.920

Conclusion:
In construction work the construction of triangular sections will not be a great problem. Only the forms are needed to be changed. As
beams may also be subjected to negative moments therefore scope is there to study the effectiveness of triangular RCC sections on
this respect. Yet regarding the limit of this paper it can evidently be said that for simple supported beams having one span as well
triangular sections are superior to the rectangular ones. Such beams may be effectively used as the girder of bridges. The efficiency of
triangular section may be increased introducing the prestressed and FRP concept. Moreover from aesthetic point of view triangular
beams are indeed a good option.
Reference
3. Ghazi, J., Al-Sulaimani, Sharif, A., Basunbal I.A. (1994),
1. Amir, M., Patel, K. (2002), "Flexural strengthening of
"Shear repair for reinforced concrete by fiber glass plate
reinforced concrete flanged beams with composite
bonding", ACI Structural Journal, Vol. 91 No 3
laminates", Journal of Composites for Construction, Vol. 6
4. Ghosh S.K., Fanella D.A. and Rabbat B.G., Notes on ACI
2. Everard N.J., 2004, Schaums Outline of Theory and
318-95 Building Code Requirements for Structural
Problems of Reinforced Concrete Design 3 rd Edition,., Tata
Concrete with Design Applications, 6th edition 1996,
Mc-Graw Hill Edition 2004, ISBN 0-07-058887-2, p/18.
Portland Cement Association, ISBN 0-89312-144-4, p/3-8.

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Hossain M.N., 1998, Structural Concrete Theory and

Design, Addision-Wesle Publishing Company
Kenneth Leet K. and Bernal D., 1997 Reinforced concrete
design 3rd edition, McGRAW-HILL International Editions,
Kumar S, 2005, Treasure of R.C.C. Designs 14th Edition,
Standard Book House, ISBN 81-900893-6-6, p/289.
Nilson A.H. and Darwin D., 1997, Design of Concrete
Structures, 12th edition, Mc-Graw Hill International
Editions, ISBN 0-07-115425-6, p/63.
Nilson A.H., Darwin D. and Dolan C. W., 2003, Design of
Concrete Structures, 13th edition, Mc-Graw Hill

10. Polak M.A. (2005) Ductility of Reinforced Concrete Flat

Slab-Column Connection, Computer-Aided Civil and
Infrastructure Engineering, Blackwell Publishing
11. Saadatmanesh, H., Ehsani, M.R. (1990), "Fiber Composite
Plates can strengthen beams". Concrete International
12. Schodek D. L. 2001, Structures, 4th Edition.
13. Sharif, G.A., Al-Sulaimani, Basunbal I.A. (1994),
"Strengthening of initially loaded reinforced concrete
beams using FRP plates", AC! Structural Journal
14. Wang C. K. and Salmon C. G. 1998 Reinforced concrete
design, 6th Edition, Addison Wesle Educational Publishers,

Simulation for Small Scale Wastewater Treatment by BioDenipho Process

Md. Imran Kabir, Md. Abdullah Bin Hossain, H.M.A. Mahzuz
Dept. Of CEE, SUST, Sylhet
Abstract
This study was initiated due to the influence of small scale wastewater treatment; characterization of small communitys
wastewater in Jincheon, South Korea and its simulation to envisage the probable design criteria for a low-strength municipal
wastewater treatment. Flow-meters were initially installed in six manholes to continuously investigate the flow of domestic
wastewater over a four month period, including a rainy season. 24h continuous sampling, at 2h intervals, was performed every
month to examine the physical, inorganic and organic characteristics of wastewater. The maximum biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD) were measured as 97.2, 125.0, 113.7, 129.5, 126.0 and 125.7mg/l in March, but the minimum chemical oxygen demand
(COD) were 19.5, 23.0, 20.0, 45.8, 31.7 and 53.8mg/l in June for six sites in 2008. The ionic concentrations indicate the prevailing
wastewater quality was bicarbonate alkaline water. The total nitrogen (TN) concentration was found to be lowest after rainfall.
After successful investigation of the wastewater quality, all relevant data were accumulated to simulate the influent to a
wastewater treatment plant using BioWin. The BioDenipho process was chosen to simulate the effective removal of nitrogen and
phosphorous, with the removal efficiencies of COD, TN, total phosphorous (TP) and suspended solids found to be 93, 24, 66 and
97%, respectively. During the simulation, the oxygen modelling option was selected assuming an immediate response to the
changes in dissolved oxygen set-point.
Keywords: small scale wastewater treatment; BioDenipho; BioWin simulation
1) Introduction
In South Korea, large communities, where the population equivalent (p.e.) exceed 100,000, have been served by large scale
wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), which account for 90% of WWTPs, while other 10% have been operated to serve small
communities of less than 1,000 people. To improve the water quality, the Korean government has set more stringent effluent
standards. Activated sludge treatment processes, which have treatment capacities for p.e. of between 2,000 and 20,000, are termed
small scale treatment plants. However, small WWTPs (>500 to 1,000 p.e.) have also been used for the management of sludge. A
rural community WWTP has been defined as having a capacity of under 500 m3/d 4), while other researchers used a wastewater
inflow of below 4000 m3/d as the definition of small scale WWTPs. For small scale domestic wastewater treatment, the quality of
the wastewater should be represented as having either strong, medium or weak characteristics , as shown in Table 1.
The principles for designing and operating a small sewage system should be: low capital and operating cost, simple operation, low
solid generation and quality of the effluent discharge. Small WWTPs play a major role in total water treatment, which in many
cases has meant that the removal of part of the nitrogen content has been possible without the need for controls due to the large
safety margins built in to the original engineering design of small WWTPs. In other words, many of these small facilities require
no major engineering work to achieve the required effluent quality standards for the discharge of nitrogen and phosphorous into
receiving waters. The use of measurement and control strategies could be an appropriate solution for the elimination of nitrogen
from municipal wastewater treatment plants, both in terms of process strategies and economic interests. Small WWTPs must also
be highly effective, robust and easy-to-operate, with a low-cost.
Table 1. Major Constituents of typical domestic wastewater
[

Parameters
Total solids (TS)
Dissolved solids (DS)
Suspended solids (SS)
Nitrogen (as N)
Phosphorous (as P)
Chloride
Alkalinity (as CaCO3)
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

Strong
1200
850
350
85
20
100
200
300

Concentration (mg/l)
Medium
700
500
200
40
10
50
100
200

Weak
350
250
100
20
6
30
50
100

Generally, Korean rural areas have a charming natural environment. Therefore, it is important that a small WWTP is in harmony
with its surroundings. However, inherently dependable WWTPs are ignored because of the unreasonable emphasis on only the
construction cost. To enhance the removal of biological nitrogen in a small WWTP, regulating the air supply has been successfully
implemented in Spain via the oxidation ditch process 2). By influencing the performance of oxidation ditches for small WWTPs,
the BioDenipho process (http://www.veoliawaterst.com/BioDenipho-biodenitro/en/) which reduces the nitrogen and phosphorus
contents in wastewater to a minimum content was selected for this study. In addition, significant reduction of organic matter
(BOD), ammonia and suspended solids are also found satisfactorily in this process.
Various simulation processes are currently applied to predict applicable conditions for the installation of a wastewater treatment
plant. Activated sludge simulation modelling 8) is considered an accepted tool in engineering practice. However, due to the
complexity involved, these models are only extensively used within a limited scientific community. Specific commercial
wastewater treatment plant simulator environments are available, such as AQUASIM, BioWin, EFOR, STOAT, GPS-X, SIMBA
and WEST .

The objective of this study was to analyze the wastewater characteristics for the execution of a small scale WWTP within the
Jincheon area of South Korea, with the corresponding simulation of the BioDenipho process via BioWin to predict the entire
performance of the activated sludge process.
2. Materials and Methods
All experiments were performed during four consecutive months, from March to June, 2008, while the wastewater sampling was
conducted on a continuous basis (every two hours) for any single day per month from six manholes, namely J-1 to J-6 in Jincheon,
South Korea.
2.1 Analytical methods
Six Flo-ToteTM flowmeters (Marsh-McBirney, Inc.) were installed inside the manholes to check the continuous wastewater flow
during the four months. The BOD5, SS and volatile suspended solid (VSS) were measured according to the standard methods [10],
whereas all ionic, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP) and chemical oxygen demand (COD Cr) concentrations were
determined through ion chromatograph (DX 120, Dionex), continuous flow manager (Futura, Alliance Instruments) and
commercially available kits (HS-COD-L, HUMAS), respectively. Additionally, the arsenic (As), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and
mercury (Hg) concentrations were confirmed to see if the wastewater was highly contaminated with heavy metals.
2.2 BioDenipho Process
This process is an oxidation ditch system, consisting of an anaerobic tank (selector) located before two interconnected biological
tanks (reactor A and B) of equal volume, and a final settling tank (clarifier). The biological tanks worked in an alternating mode of
operation, and were equipped with aerators, inlet distributors and outlet chambers. This process reduces the nitrogen and
phosphorus contents in the wastewater to a minimum, as well as significantly reducing the organic matter (BOD), ammonia and
suspended solids. Furthermore, it eliminates odour nuisances as the sludge is stabilized during the process.
This process can best be understood by following the nitrogen and phosphorous removal stages through one complete 4-hour
cycle of operation. The continuous four phases are shown in Fig. 1, where N and DN represent nitrification and denitrification,
respectively.
2.2.1 Phase 1
The wastewater travels to reactor B, where it is kept mixed in an anoxic environment. Under such conditions, the micro organisms
are forced to use the nitrate present from the previous phase as the oxygen source, while degrading the organic compounds, with
the nitrogen released to the atmosphere (denitrification). As raw wastewater enters the reactor, a corresponding volume of water
and activated sludge leaves reactor B and flows to reactor A. In reactor A, oxygen is introduced (aerobic conditions), leading to
the biological degradation of the remaining organic matter and converts the ammonia in the wastewater to nitrate (nitrification). In
this and the following phase, the treated wastewater flows from reactor A to the clarifier.
2.2.2 Phase 2
Phase 2 is a brief intermediary phase, where the wastewater goes to reactor A and oxygen is introduced (aerobic conditions).
Oxygen is also introduced into reactor B during this phase. The purpose of this phase is to reduce the ammonia content in reactor
B before the wastewater is discharged from this tank.
2.2.3 Phase 3 and 4
These phases correspond to phases 1 and 2, with the exceptions that the wastewater influent, effluent and the process conditions
in the tanks are interchanged. Once phase 4 is complete, the operation cycle starts again.

Fig. 1. Four phases in BioDenipho process

2.3 Simulation through BioWin
The BioDenipho process was simulated successfully through BioWin (3, EnviroSim). All the default data were kept the same as in
BioWin. During the simulation, the oxygen modelling option was selected for assuming the immediate response to the changes in
dissolved oxygen set-point.
3. Result and Discussion
3.1 Wastewater flow
The flow-meter provided continuous flow monitoring at 15min intervals. After accumulating the flow data, a single day was
chosen from each studied month to compare the dry and rainy seasons. In most dry day cases, the trend lines of flow remain
similar, possibly due to similar everyday life practices. One exception was found at J-5 where the flow on a rainy day showed an
unexpectedly lower value compared to March, 2008. Most flows were below 10m3/d at J-6. The highest flow was measured for J2 at 2:00am.
3.2 Wastewater characteristics
3.2.1 Physical and organic concentrations
In the first month of wastewater sampling, the maximum BOD concentrations were found to be 97.2, 125.0, 113.7, 129.5, 126.0
and 125.7mg/l at J-1, J-2, J-3, J-4, J-5 and J-6, respectively. It was also observed that both the BOD and COD mean
concentrations at the six studied areas were higher in May, 2008 than the other months. The maximum (Max), minimum (Min),
mean (Avg) and standard deviation (SD) values are shown in Fig. 2, where no sampling was performed at J-1 during June due to
technical problems.

3.2.2 Ionic concentration

The ionic concentrations and their
monthly variations for each site are
shown in Fig. 3 via a piper diagram.
According to the diagram, it is clear that
most of the wastewaters were alkaline.
The wastewater collected from J-1-April
(from J-1 in April, 2008), J-3-April and
J-4-May were alkaline due to bicarbonate
and sulphate-chloride criteria; whereas,
the earth alkaline waters, with an
increased portion of alkalinity and
prevailing bicarbonate criteria, were
found in the wastewaters from J-2-April,
J-2-June, J-3-June, J-4-June, J-5-June, J6-April and J-6-June. Therefore, the
alkalinity was decreased after rainfall
compared to the other months. The
markers under the intersection of 50%
(SO4+Cl) and 50% (Ca+Mg) indicate
the high alkalinity of the wastewater with
prevailing bicarbonate criteria.
Fig. 2. Physical and organic concentrations wastewater in 4 successive
months

3.2.3 Heavy metal concentration

As expected, the wastewater heavy metal
concentrations were significantly low at all
sites. No Hg was found in any of the
samples. However, the highest
concentrations of As, Cd, Cu and Pb were
found to be 0.046mg/l at J-4 in June,
0.003mg/l at J-1, 2 and 3 in May,
0.018mg/l at J-6 in June and 0.016mg/l at
J-4 in May, respectively.
3.2.4 Concentrations of TN and TP
The highest TN concentration was
obtained at J-4 in April with a value of
49.96mg/l. At J-2, both the TN and TP
concentrations remained lower than at the
other sites. The maximum TP
concentration, 9.64mg/l, was found at J-6
in March. J-4 and J-6 show the highest
four month cumulative TN and TP
concentrations.

Fig. 3. Piper diagram for wastewater quality in studied areas

3.3 Simulation of small WWTP

3.3.1 Characteristics of small WWTP for simulation
The influent wastewater composition shown in Table 2 was chosen according to the most hazardous conditions relating to the
wastewater quality at the studied sites during four months. The COD (190.50 343.90 mg/l), TN (27.50 69.63 mg/l), TP (0.81
4.70 mg/l), inorganic SS (34 184 mg/l), Ca2+ (44.25 63.66 mg/l), Mg2+ (10.05 22.94 mg/l) and DO (4.4 7.2 mg/l)
concentrations and flow (657.53 1244.49 m3/d) were set as the itinerary influent to meet the small scale BioDenipho process.
Table 2. Characteristics of small WWTPs
Parameters
p.e.
Inflow (m3/d)
COD (mg/l)
BOD5 (mg/l)
TN (mg/l)
TP (mg/l)
PO4-P (mg/l)
SS (mg/l)
pH
Bioreactor volume

1)

<500
325
143
51
5.8
240
7
39 L

2)

15000
2354
340

425
3500 m3

10)

<1000
0.6
471
286
94
15.1
4.1
73
7.2
7.1 m3

This study
<10000
989
237
124
55
2.7
1.3
182
7.7
206 m3

3.3.2 Nutrient and oxygen uptake rate (OUR) in reactors

Consistent with the four phases, respective denitrification and nitrification was also observed in the simulation. As a four-hour
cycle was maintained for the simulation process, the changes in the nutrient concentrations inside the reactors were similar every
two hours, as shown in Fig. 4. Moreover, the introduction of oxic and anoxic conditions to successfully implement nitrification
and denitrification meant that the consumption of oxygen also varied in the reactors; Fig. 4 represents the OUR on any day inside
the reactors for the simulation process.
3.3.3 Nutrient concentration in selector
In the BioDenipho process, the selector was maintained under fully anaerobic conditions. The changes in the nutrients are shown
in Fig. 5(a) as a semi-log plot. Almost parallel changes were observed in the NH3-N and PO4-P concentrations; whereas, that of
NO3-N remained below 1 mg/l.
3.3.4 Nitrogen and phosphate concentration in effluent
The flow chart for ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) and phosphate phosphorous (PO4-P) in the effluent
throughout a day is shown in Fig. 5(b). The concentration of PO4-P remained below 1mg/l from the 2nd~10th hour of operation,
but increased thereafter, and remained below 3mg/l in all cycles; the concentrations of NH 3-N and NO3-N were nearly 3 and
8mg/l, respectively, throughout a day.
3.3.5 Limitation
A BioWin simulation, based on the Barker and Dold model 11), deals with the problem by introducing a reduction factor, which
can be viewed as the proportion of heterotrophic organisms capable of denitrification under anoxic conditions. This model

requires resolution of two main problems: (a) determination of the concentration of denitrifying heterotrophic organisms and (b)
the reduced phosphorous uptake by denitrifying heterotrophic organisms 12).

Fig. 4. OUR variation along

with nutrient
concentrations

Fig. 5. (a)
Nutrient
concentration
in selector, (b)
Nitrogen and
phosphorous
concentrations
in effluent

a
b

3.4 Removal efficiency

The limited organic carbon in the local sewage lowered the TN removal efficiency due to insufficient denitrification 1). Satisfying
the stringent discharge standards and managing the excess waste sludge produced from an aerobic treatment are the major
problems related with small wastewater treatment plants 1). The COD, TN, TP and SS removal efficiencies were 93, 24, 66 and
97%, respectively.
4. Conclusion
This study was undertaken to assess the influence of a small scale WWTP, i.e. the characterization and simulation of the
wastewater of a small community, to predict the probable design criteria for the treatment of low-strength municipal wastewater.
The mean COD concentrations in all the study areas can be considered low-strength municipal waste. The maximum BOD
concentrations were 97.2, 125.0, 113.7, 129.5, 126.0 and 125.7mg/l in March, 2008; whereas, the minimum COD concentrations
were 19.5, 23.0, 20.0, 45.8, 31.7 and 53.8mg/l in June at J-1, J-2, J-3, J-4, J-5 and J-6, respectively. The ionic concentrations are
shown by a piper diagram which indicates that the prevailing quality of the experimental wastewater was bicarbonate alkaline
water. The TN concentration was found to be lowest after a rainfall event. The BioDenipho process was chosen to simulate the
effective removals of nitrogen and phosphorous; the COD, TN, TP and SS removal efficiencies were 93, 24, 66 and 97%,
respectively.
References
1) Park, S.M., Jun, H.B., Hong, S.P. and Kwon, J.C.; Small sewage treatment system with an anaerobic anoxic aerobic
combined biofilter, Water Science and Technology, Vol.48, No.11-12, pp.213-220, (2003)
2) Filter, M., Colprim, J., Poch, M. and Rodrguez-Roda, I.; Enhancing biological nitrogen removal in a small wastewater
treatment plant by regulating the air supply, Water Science and Technology, Vol.48, No.11-12, pp.445-452, (2003)
3) Nowak, O., Kuehn, V. and Zessner, M.; Sludge management of small water and wastewater treatment plants, Water Science and
Technology, Vol.48, No.11-12, pp. 33-41, (2003)
4) Myung, G.N. and Yu, M.J.; Application of small community sewer system for improving the quality of the water resource in
Korea, Water Science and Technology, Vol.48, No.11-12, pp.85-91, (2003)
5) Pescod, M.B.; Wastewater treatment and use in agriculture, FAO irrigation and drainage paper, Vol.47, (1992)
6) Rammacher, J. and Hansen, J.; Control of nutrient removal based on simple measurement values, Water Science and
Technology, Vol.41, No.1, pp.29-32, (2000)

Eco toilet: A Sustainable Sanitation Option for Bangladesh

by Ecosan Team, Practical Action Bangladesh
Introduaction:
As a third world country Bangladesh is experiencing deprivation from various basic rights. Proper sanitation is one of the common
rights for human beings. But most of the people have no access to proper sanitation and are not aware of their rights. Now,
sanitation is appearing to be one of the main impediments to address poverty. It has many economic and health implications that
directly affect the national GDP.
Bangladesh made significant progress in the sanitation under programme sanitation for all by 2010(13). The coverage and
sustainability however remain a major challenge. To meet this challenge, a massive plan has been undertaken which is underway.
By September'2005, 63.93% sanitation coverage has already been achieved (govt. source). But it has achieved on the basis of pit
latrine mainly. The pit latrine has referred as the basic minimum level service considering the general socio-economic conditions
of the nation. However, pit latrine is promoted as popular technology as to its low cost. Although it has many technological,
environmental and epidemiological constraints. By the name of sanitation (pit, septic and swear system etc.) or unsanitary way,
dumping of sanitary sludge are activated in the river, canal, pond or in nearby open hole of the homestead or deposit it underneath
the pit. This is directly threatening environment. It pollutes surface water as well as shallow ground water, damaging the aquatic
life, spreading diseases, making dependency on ground water. No doubt it is responsible for unbalancing the ecosystem. As a
whole the technologies which are promoting is not sustainable sanitary solution and in some cases it is high tech as well and costly
also.
The system, with sewage facility only in parts of Dhaka city and septic tanks & pit latrines in other urban areas including
particularly the secondary towns where discharge is made to open water bodies, the urban sanitation scenario falls far behind
hygienic sanitation coverage in true sense. On the other hand, about one third of the urban population who live in temporary
structures and slums do not have access to (municipal) sanitation service system. Moreover, risk of contaminating ground water in
congested settlements like in Urban slums is much more higher as people build their individual latrine (onsite sanitation/pit latrine)
in a very congested manner due to lack of space. As a result, maintaining safe distance between water point and pit latrine has not
been possible in most cases
The concept of ecotoilet has been developed to set up system(s) to human waste disposal, retrieve and re-use the nutrients from
human waste, and reduces use of water. It is a three-step process dealing with human excreta, containment, sanitization and
recycling. In practice, eco-sanitation includes options such as flush-free (and odor-free) urinals, separation toilets for urine and
faeces, dry and composting toilets, dehydration devices for composting of faeces, use of faeces or excreta for the generation of
biogas, vacuum sewers and flush systems operating on minimal amounts of water etc.
Eco-sanitation generates opportunities that add value to human waste and offers
options
for
decentralized waste management reducing pressure on public
Vent Pipe
system.
3D View of Eco toilet

Heat Panel
Anal Cleansing

Figure: Outside View

Vent Pipe
Roof
Ventilator
Door
User Manual
Maintenance Manual
Wall
Washing Water
Collection Pipe
Soap Case
Stair
Evaporation Bed
Bucket

Place
Pedestal
Eco Plastic
Fiber Pan
Faeces
Collection Hole
Urine
Diversion
Urine
Collection Pipe
Urine
Collection Tank

Figure: Internal
Components

Principle of eco toilet:

Ecological sanitation can contribute many of the problems faced by society today: water pollution, scarcity of freshwater,
destruction and loss of soil fertility, and food insecurity
Ecological sanitation is based on the following principles:
o Prevents disease and promotes health
o Conserves precious water and contributes to water security
o Recovers and recycles nutrients and organic matter

Pic: Use of ecosan Product

Pilot Demonstration of Eco toilet:
Practical Action Bangladesh (a UK based NGO) piloted about 40 ecosan toilets in Gazipur Municipality. These toilets are nicely
used and maintained properly by the users. The ecosan products (Urine and composted faeces) are beind used in their crop
production. Ecotoiles ensured their sanitation. On the other hand they are getting benefits out of it by using urine and composted
faeces in their land for crop production. The result is tremendous.
Benefit of Eco toilet:
The construction cost of an ecotoilets is BDT 12500-15,000 where superstructure is brick made. The investment cost will return in
maximum 3 years.
General Considerations
o Life span of a ecotoilet is 15 years (>20 years if maintenance is proper)
o Family size 5 person per household;
o Generation rate : 300 gm faces/capita/day and 1.2 liters urine/capita/day;
o The value of land is not considered
Components of Excreta (Source: Dhani, 1992)
Faces
Urine
Components
g/cp/day
%
g/cp/day
%
Solids*
50
17
60
5
Water
250
83
240
95
Total
300
100
300
100
* Solids in faces are almost 100% suspended and in urine are almost 100% dissolved.

Excreta
g/cp/day
110
1395
1500

%
7
93
100

Components
Organic Solids
Micro-organism
Fat
Proteins
Carbohydrates
Urea
Organic Carbon
Organic Nitrogen
Inorganic Solids
Calcium Ca
Phosphorous P
Potassium K
Oxygen demand
Biochemical BOD
Chemical COD
Nitrification
C/N Ratio
Source: Dhani, 1992. * Total Solids

Approximate composition of excreta per capita per day

Units
Faces
Urine
% of TS*
88
70
14
0
8
0
10
0
24
0
0
43
49
14
6
17
% of TS
12
30
3.2
3.7
1.8
2.9
1.5
3.1
Gm O2/Cap/day
20
10
50
15
20
50
Gm C/gm N
8
0.8

Excreta
78
6
4
5
11
23
30
12
22
3.5
2.4
2.4
30
65
70
2.5

Cost item
o Construction Cost = 12500 BDT (average)
o Land Cost (it same or comparatively lower than other types of latrine)
o Cost of Ash (Locally available and generally people treat it as waste materials)
Direct Benefit: Production of compost for a Household (with 5 members)
Components
Solids*
Water
Total
Components

g/cap/day

1
Solid*
Water
Total
* This is the compost.

2
50
250
300

Urine
g/cp/day
%
60
5
240
95
300
100
Total compost production for 15 years
HH
Yearly production
Total Production for 15 years
Member
(Col 4 = Col 2 X Col 3 X 365) in kg.
(Col 5= Col 4*15) kg
3
4
5
5
91.25
1368.75
5
456.25
6843.75
5
547.5
8212.5

Total compost for 15 year form a Eco-toilet is about 1368.75 kg. Total price of the compost @ 10 BDT is about 13687.50 BDT
Production of Urine for a Household (with 5 members)
Urine

Components

g/cp/day*
240
960
1200

Solids
Water
Total
* Calculated for 1.2 litre urine
Total Solid production for 15 years
Components
g/cp/day
1
Solid*
Water
Total

2
240
960
1200

HH Member
3
5
5
5

Yearly production
(4 = col 2 X col 3 X 365) in kg.
4
438
1752
2190

%
5
95
100

Total Production for 15 years

(Col 5= col 4*15) kg
5
6570
26280
32850

Urea and other components in Urine Solid

Components
Units
Organic Solids
% of TS
Micro-organism
Fat
Proteins
Carbohydrates
Urea
Organic Carbon
Organic Nitrogen
Inorganic Solids
% of TS
Calcium Ca
Phosphorous P
Potassium K

Urine
70
0
0
0
0
43
14
17
30
3.7
2.9
3.1

Total components (for 6570 kg solids)

4599
0
0
0
0
2825.1
919.8
1116.9
1971
243.09
190.53
203.67

In urine solid, the components are urea, organic carbon, organic nitrogen and other inorganic solids like calcium, phosphorus and
potassium exists. All these solids are however, used as fertilizer in the farm land and the market price of the inorganic solids (re:
calcium, potassium and phosphorus) are comparatively higher then urea. So, the current analysis will calculate all solids as
fertilizer and the base price of the fertilizer is BDT 10/Kg. So, the total fertilizer is about 6570 Kg. Total Price of the Fertilizer is
about 67500 BDT.
So, total return over 15 years from an Eco-Toilet is about 81187.50 BDT (13687.5 from faces and 67500.00 from urine).
Indirect Benefit (this are not included in the analysis)
o Water Savings is about 82125 liters (15 year for 5 persons @ 3 lt/capita/day;
o Prevention of Ground Water Contamination;
o Other Environmental Pollution Control;
o Prevention of Nutrients Loss;
o Gain soil fertility and improvement of soil structure and water-holding capacity.
Challenges:
The major challenge of ecotoilet in Bangladesh is social acceptability and initial investment cost compare to the traditional pit
latrine. From our field experience it can be said that people get easily motivate if we provide them proper information and its
benefits.
Ecosan potentials in Bangladesh:
Assume the estimated 5.0 million tons of chemical fertilizers are used in Bangladesh annually and its cost about 50 billion Taka.
(Assuming Tk. 10/- per kg Urea) which is equivalent to about US$ 700 million. Total population of Bangladesh is about 140
million and produces about 56.0 million tons of urine which is equivalent to 45.0 million tons of useable urea. So use of urine in
crop production can replace about 30.0 million tons of chemical urea.
On the other hand, about 14.0 million tons of feces can be converted to 3.5 million tons of useable compost which can replace 0.8
million tons of chemical fertilizers.
Bangladesh currently uses around 5.0 million tons of chemical fertilizers which can be replaced by just bringing 25% of our
population under the coverage of eco-sanitation
Conclusion
The hardware of eco-sanitation technologies has been developed in some parts of the world, including both developed and
developing countries. Eco-toilet design has to be further modified to fit to the local conditions, if it has to be made acceptable by
the people in Bangladesh. Appropriate facilities are to be designed and mass-manufactured, to be made available and affordable,
and various solutions - combinations of technologies and modules - need to be found for different social and economic contexts.
From technical point of view eco-san is quite feasible in Bangladesh because of favourable climate. There are specific areas where
this may be more appropriate. For example, land is very scarce in urban slums and haor areas where people live under sprawling
condition. It may also be appropriate in areas where water is scarce such as hill areas/barind region, because eco-san latrines do
not need flushing water.

CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING (CEE) DEPARTMENT AT A

GLANCE
Professor Dr. Engr. Mohammod Aktarul Islam Chowdhury
Head, CEE Department, SUST
HISTORY
Civil and Environmental Engineering abbreviated as CEE (the then Environmental Engineering and Pollution Control abbreviated
as EEPC), one of the two engineering departments of Shahjalal University of Science and technology (SUST) was established
with an objective of keeping pioneering role to mitigate the environmental problems of Bangladesh specially in the north-eastern
region of the country during the session 1994-95 with the initiative of Professor Dr. Syed Mohibuddin Ahmed, the then (second)
Vice Chancellor of the SUST. Internationally reputed Civil Engineer/Environmental Engineer Professor Dr. Engineer M. Feroze
Ahmed of Environmental Division of Civil Engineering Department of BUET has been involved in the building up of the
department since its establishment in 1995 who is actively associated with the design and preparation of syllabi & curricula,
recruitment of the teachers, setup of the laboratories of the department, establishing the sub-centre of International Training
Network (ITN) Centre for Water and Waste Management at SUST etc. Environmental Engineering and Pollution Control (EEPC)
was renamed as Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) in June 2001.

ACADEMIC ARENA OF CEE

Now CEE department is offering undergraduate degree B. Sc. (four academic years with eight semesters) in Civil and
Environmental Engineering, M.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Thesis group of three semesters with one and half
academic year and non-thesis group of two semesters with one academic year) and PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
CEE academic faculty is located at the ground floor of Academic Building - III of SUST. CEE has the modern laboratory
facilities. Major CEE laboratories are Water supply and Waste Water Engineering Laboratory, Environmental Pollution Control
laboratory, Environmental Modeling and GIS laboratory, Fluid Mechanics laboratory, Concrete laboratory, Strength of Materials
laboratory, Geo-technical Engineering laboratory and Transportation Engineering laboratory. Shophosticated equipments like
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS of Varian Model USA), Gaschromotograph (GC of Varian Model USA), Universal
Testing Machine (Houdston UTM of USA), Environmental Monitoring Station (ELE Model of UK) are available in CEE
laboratories to facilitate modern testing facilities. In SUST, CEE is the first engineering B. Sc. Engineering Degree has already
been accredited by the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education (BAETE), Bangladesh in July 2009
affected from June 06 2009. CEE Seminar library is also well-furnished with the help of ITN collaboration project. CEE
department is the only department of SUST that starts the classes of all year/semester in the first month of the academic semester
(January and July) at a time, takes the semester examination of all semesters of undergraduate level at a time. Final examination of
current semester (January-June 2010) will be started in the last week of April2010. Obviously classes of the next semester (JulyDecember 2010) will be commenced from 1st July2010.
[

CENTERS ATTACHED TO CEE DEPARTMENT

CEE is the first department of SUST that has established a few attached centers to extend its advisory, consultancy, research, short
courses, testing and training services at SUST.
(i)
CEE Establishes the Sub-centre of International Training Network (ITN) for Water and Waste Management wided
in 18 developing countries of Asia, Africa & Latin America funded by DANIDA/UNDP/ World Bank in December
1996
(ii)
CEE establishes the Center for Research, Testing and Consultancy (CRTC) as the member of CRTC of SUST in
July 2004.
(iii)
CEE is going to establish the Centre of Excellence to introduce M.Sc Engineering Course in Disaster and
Environmental Engineering under the linkage with University of Kassel, Germany to started in January 2011.
CEE also has the plan to establish more centers on Wetland and Haor Development, Eco-technology, Construction management,
Earthquake Management etc. in near future.
INTERNATIONAL LINKAGE PROGRAM OF CEE DEPARTMENT
CEE is the first department of SUST making international linkage with the universities at home and abroad. CEE with Chemistry
and Social Work Department signed linkage Project Appropriate Technology for Waste Water Treatment between Shahjalal
University of Science & Technology (SUST) and Staffordshire University of UK financed by ODA (UK) in November 1996 that
continued up to 1998. CEE Department of SUST is linked with BUET under the umbrella of International Training Network
(ITN) for water and waste management as a sub-center since December 1996. Since then The CEE department has been working
is successfully as an active Sub-center of International Training Network (ITN) for Water and Waste Management of Bangladesh
Center located at BUET funded by World Bank/DANIDA wided in 18 developing countries of the world. CEE department as an
associate partner of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science Department of SUST was also inter linked with University of
Applied Science, at Karlsruhe, Germany, Jiangsu Polytechnic University of Peoples Republic of China and Institute of Membrane
Technology ITM-CNR of University of Calabaria of Italy through INNOWA-Innovative Water and Waste Water Treatment project
funded by EC under Asia-Pro Eco program from 2005-07. CEE department is also interlinked with University of Kassel,
(Germany) along with Civil Engineering Department of Chittangong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) Through

the the establishment of a Centre of Excellence to introduce M.Sc Engineering Course in Disaster and Environmental Engineering
since 2007. CEE has also the plan to make international linkage and research collaboration with other universities of home and
abroad especially with foreign universities in future.
LINKAGE PROGRAMS WITH MINISTRIES
CEE of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology has been interlinked with the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management
of the People Republic of Bangladesh linkage Program through linkage program Comprehensive Disaster Management Program
(CDMP) for knowledge and Resource Sharing on Disaster Management Issues since November 2008.
CONSULTANCY, RESEARCH AND TESTING SERVICES OFFERED BY CEE
CEE department established the centre for research, testing and consultancy (CRTC) to provide research, testing and consultancy
services in 2004. CRTC has already contributed a lot; .CRTC designed water treatment plant to remove high concentration of
iron(>11mg/lit) in ground water of Sylhet region (value of 1,00,000 Tk), such a plant has been successfully operating since 2006
in Hotel Asma International, a sophisticated hotel of Sylhet city. CTRC already planned and designed the Madina Garden City
near Sylhet International Airport (value of about 15,00,000 Tk) including EIA. CRTC has been performing all kind of testing in
the field of water, waste water, cement, concrete, rod beam, soil, air, noise etc. since 2003. CRTC also organizes the specialized
courses on computer aided designs like ETAB, STAAD-PRO etc.
CEE ACTIVITIES IN PROFESSION AND RESEARCH
EEPC has been actively involved in professional development, research and abatement program of environmental issues in Sylhet
division. Apart of the academic activities, CEE has been contributing significantly in the development of professionals in water
and waste management through ITN activities such as developing and offering training courses for professionals since 1997 under
the linkage between ITN Bangladesh Center at BUET and SUST Sub-center. CEE faculty members have been actively involved in
Healthy City Program of Sylhet Paurashava since 1997. CEE faculty members have been conducting significant researches in
the field of earthquake, water and waste water treatment specially removal of iron, arsenic, tannery waste, textile and dying waste,
fertilizer waste, paper and pulp waste, pharmaceutical waste etc.; hill cutting; wet land issues; sanitation specially solid waste
management and human waste management; water supply specially rainwater harvesting; environment impact assessment;
environment management; geo-environmental engineering; biodiversity assessment; traffic management, transportation
engineering; structural engineering etc. CEE department concentrated to basic research on appropriate technology based on locally
available materials. A young research group of CEE department has invented a new technology to treat tannery waste using
another waste without the application of chemical that has been found to more effective and perform very successfully. Young
CEE faculty members also invented the low cost technology for removing iron and arsenic using locally available natural
ingredients without the application of chemicals.
CEE department organized a National Conference on Prospects of Environmental Engineering in Bangladesh in August 10-11,
2001. CEE department has been taken part in the International ETP FAIR 2007 held in September 111 to 13, 2007 organized by
DoE in BCFCC where the stall of CEE has been regarded as the best research exhibitor in the field effluent treatment processes.
CEE department organized the First International Conference on Indigenous People of Bangladesh and Environment with
Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, Bangladesh Environmental Network (BEN) held in December 17-18, 2007 in the IEB Conference
Centre.
CEE faculty members are conducting basic researches in the field of civil and environmental engineering. More than 100
researches publications authorized by CEE faculty members have been published in international journals and conference
proceedings.
ROLE OF CEE DEPARTMENT IN INTERNATIONAL FORUM
CEE faculty members review technical papers for Water Research Jounal Water Supply of IWA published by Elsevier
Publication Ltd. of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Research Jounal Water Science and Technology of IWA published by
Blackwell Science Ltd., London, UK, Journal of Waste Management published by Elsevier Publication Ltd. of Amsterdam, The
Netherlands, Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment published by SPRINGER Publication Ltd., International
Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering (IJEE) published from USA, UK, Netherlands, India etc. CEE faculty member was
elected the Member of the Distribution Division (Operation and Maintenance Committee) of International Water Supply
Association (IWSA) in September 1995 and attended Division Meetings (in Madrid 1995 & in Hong Kong in November 1996)
and took active participation in the activities of division. CEE faculty member also worked as the Member of the Task Force for
Unaccounted for Water of International Water Supply Association (IWSA) for the session 1996-1997. CEE faculty members also
actively associated with Global Water Partnership (GWP), Ramsar Convention for Wetland.
CEE GRADUATES AROUND THE WORLD
Already ten batches (each batch leaving 50 graduates) have been graduated from this department date till April 2007. B.Sc
engineers graduated from this department are working as B.C.S Cadre in PWD, R&H, PDB, DPHE, WDB etc. Also they are
working as engineers in LGED, BDRD, different ministries of Bangladesh, different research organizations like Bangladesh River
Research Institute, Bangladesh Institute of Water Modeling etc. Civil & Environmental engineers of SUST has been working in
different consulting and construction firms, NGOs, different international organizations etc. and providing the services in the

development of our nation. Besides about 50 CEE graduates are working abroad and earning name and fame as the sincere
professionals in USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Newzeland, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Middle East countries.

PUBLICATIONS OF FACULTY MEMBERS OF CEE DEPARTMENT

More than two hundred publications of CEE faculty members International Solid Waste Management Association, Elsevier
have been published in the international journals and Journals, Journal of SPRINGER, Journal of Francis and Taylor,
conference proceedings published from Australia, Bangladesh, Journals of ANSI Net etc. are mention worthy. Development
Canada, China, France, Hongkong, Japan, India, Iran, Studies (Volume -II) published by Atlantic Publishers (India) is
Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan, Rumania, Spain etc. Among co-authorized by CEE faculty member. Besides a few text
them Journal of American Water Association JAWWA, AQUA - books and reference books on environmental issues are in press
Journal of International Water Association (IWA), Journal of by CEE faculty members.
ACADEMIC FACULTY
Engineer Md. Jahir Bin Alam in the rank of Lecturer is the first teacher of CEE Department; during founding state of the
department, other teachers are Engineer Masum Ahmed Jaigirdar (Lecturer), Engineer Shaila Najmun Nahar (Lecturer) and
Engineer Mohammod Aktarul Islam Chowdhury (Assistant Professor and Head). They played the pioneering role laying no stone
unturned in the establishment of the department under the Headship of Engineer Mohammod Aktarul Islam Chowdhury. Dr.
Engineer Md Abu Eusuf also tried his level best to develop the laboratories of CEE department. Engineer Masum Ahmed
Jaighirdar played a revolutionary role in the dark period of the department as Head of the Department and saved the department
from obvious uncertainty. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed, the youngest Head of the CEE Department ran the department for two years only
with five teachers (the lowest manpower ever since) successfully hampering no classes for a singly day of six batches of under
graduate level. Name of the faculty members who served and still contributing to the CEE department and their duration in the

CEE family are given below:

(a) Professor :
- Dr. Engineer Mohammod Aktarul Islam Chowdhury
(March 25 2009 to date)
- Dr. Engineer Md. Jahir Bin Alam (March 252009 to
date)
(b) Associate Professor :
- Dr. Engineer Muhammad Abu Eusuf (November
1998 to September 2002)
- Dr. Engineer Mohammod Aktarul Islam Chowdhury
(August 2005 to March 242009)
- Dr. Engineer Md. Jahir Bin Alam (August 2005 to
March 242009)
- Engineer Kazi Md. Abu Sohel (August 2008 to 2009)
- Dr. Engineer Mushtaq Ahmed (August 2008 to date )
- Engineer G. M. Jahidul Hasan (August 20008 to
date)
(b) Assistant Professors :
- Engineer Mohammod Aktarul Islam Chowdhury (1996 to
August 2005)
- Dr. Engineer Muhammad Abu Eusuf (December 1996 to
October 2002)
- Dr. Engineer Md. Jahir Bin Alam, Assistant Professor
(November 1996 to date),
- Engineer Masum Ahmed Jaigirdar (1999 to 2004)
- Engineer Kazi Md. Abu Sohel (2000 to August 2008)
- Engineer Nibedita Chowdhury (2000 to 2002)
- Dr. Engineer Mushtaq Ahmed (April, 2001 to 2008)
- Engineer G. M. Jahidul Hasan (2003 to 20008)
- Dr. Engineer Md. Tauhid-ur-Rahman (2003 to date)
- Engineer Md. Azizul Hoque (2004 to date)
- Engineer Md. Shajahan Kaiser Alam Sarker (2004 to date)
- Engineer Rezaul Kabir Chowdhury (2007 to date)
- Engineer Raquibul Alam (2007 to date)
- Engineer Saidur Rahma Chowdhury(2007 to date )

(c)
-

Engineer Rifath Sharmin (2007 to date)

Engineer Mesbah Uddin (2007 to date )
Engineer Shahidur Rahman (2009 to date)
Engineer Tajmunnahar (2009 to date)
Lectureres:
Engineer Md. Jahir Bin Alam (1995 to October 1996)
Engineer Shaila Najmun Nahar (1996 to 2000)
Engineer Masum Ahmed Jaigirdar (April 1996 to 1999)
Engineer Md. Sirajul Islam (1997 to 2004)
Engineer Kazi Md. Abu Sohel (1997 to 2000)
Engineer Md. Moniruzzaman (1997-1998)
Engineer Faizul kabir Pasha (1999 to date)
Engineer G. M. Jahidul Hasan (1999 to 2003)
Engineer Mohammad Zahirul Islam (1999 to date)
Engineer Anjan Kumar Bhomik (1999 to 2006)
Engineer Md. Tauhid-ur-Rahman (1999 to 2003)
Engineer Enamur Rahim Latefee (2001 to 2004)
Engineer Md. Azizul Hoque (2001 to 2004)
Engineer Md. Shajahan Kaiser Alam Sarker (2001 to
2004)
Engineer Rezaul Kabir Chowdhury (2004 to 2007)
Engineer Raquibul Alam (2004 to 2007)
Engineer Saidur Rahma Chowdhury (2004 to 2007)
Engineer Rifath Sharmin (2004 to 2007)
Engineer Mesbah Uddin (2004 to 2007)
Engineer Shahidur Rahman (2006 to 2009)
Engineer Tajmunnahar (2006 to 2009)
Engineer Bijit Kumar Banik (2007 to date)
Engineer M. Saiful Islam (2007 to date)
Engineer H.M.A. Mahjuj (2007 to date)
Engineer Md. Imran Kabir (2009 to date)
Engineer Gulam Md. Munna (2010 to date)
Engineer Shilpy Rani Basak (2010 to date)
Engineer Md. Bashirul Haque (2010 to date)

ADMINISTRATION
Administration of CEE department is run by Head of the Department assisted by the faculty members and the supporting staffs.
The list of Head of the Departments of CEE since the establishment to date with tenure is given below:

Professor Muhammed Zafar Iqbal of Computer Science

and Engineering Department, the then Dean of the
School of Applied Sciences and Technology from 1995
to April 1996 as additional duty.
Engineer Mohammod Aktarul Islam Chowdhury from
April 1996 to November 1998 (in-charge).
Engineer Dr. Muhammad Abu Eusuf from November
1998 to October 2000.
Engineer Masum Ahmed Jaighirdar from November
2000 to April 2001(in-charge).

GADUATE PROGRAM OF CEE

CEE department has been offering four year B.Sc. Engineering
degree since 1995. B.Sc. course in civil and environmental
engineering (CEE) department consists of eight semesters
being the duration of each semester of maximum six months
spreading two semesters in each calendar year as follows:
January to June and
Total credits included in all semesters:
Semester
Credits
1/1
20.50
1/2
21.00
2/1
19.00
2/2
21.00
3/1
22.00
3/2
22.50
4/1
19.50
4/2
17.50
_______
Total
163.00

Dr. Engineer Mushtaq Ahmed from May 2001 to May

2003 (in-charge).
Engineer Mohammod Aktarul Islam Chowdhury from
June 2003 to July 2005 (in-charge).
Dr. Engineer Mohammod Aktarul Islam Chowdhury
from August 2005 to August 05, 2008.
Dr. Engineer Md. Jahir Bin Alam from August 052005
to June 032009.
Professor Dr. Engineer Mohammod Aktarul Islam
Chowdhury from June 04 2009 to date.

July to December
To fulfill the B. Sc degree, every student have to complete 130
credits of theory courses, 28 credits sessional courses and 5
credits thesis works by research totaling 163 credits within
eight semesters according to the following outline.
Students should take one specialized theory courses of two
credits from thesis related field in the 8th semester.

NB : Every student should have to complete 163.00 credits for obtaining the
B.Sc. Engineering degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering.

Outline of the Undergraduate Syllabus of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
First Year: Semester I
Hours / Week
Course No.
Course Title
Theory + Lab
PHY 107 C
Structure of matter, Sound waves and Fluid mechanics
3+0
MAT 103F
Differential calculus and Vector analysis
3+0
CEE 115
Introduction to Ecology and Environment
2+0
CEE 117
Economics for Engineers
2+0
ENG 101
English Language I
2+0
CEE 111
Engineering Mechanics-I
2+0
CHE 101 C
General Chemistry
3+0
PHY 104
Physics Sessional
0+3
ENG 102
English Language Lab.
0+2
CEE 112
Engineering Graphics-I
0+3
Total
17+8= 25
First Year: Semester II
Course No.
ENG 103
MAT 104F
CEE 143
CEE 137
CEE 113
BAN 103
CSE 103B
CHE 102
ENG 104
CEE 114

Course Title
English Language II
Integral calculus and Ordinary differential equations
Engineering Materials
Environmental Quality and Monitoring
Engineering Mechanics-II
Cost accounting for Engineers
Introduction to Electric and Electronic Circuit Theory
Chemistry Sessional
English Language Lab
Engineering Graphics-II

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab
2+0
3+0
3+0
2+0
2+0
2+0
2+0
0+6
0+2
0+3

Credit
3.0
3.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
3.0
1.5
1.0
1.0
20. 5

Credit
2.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.5
1.0
1.0

IPE 104
CEE 110
Second Year: Semester I
Course No.
CEE 211
PGE 201
CEE 223
CSE 203B
CEE 219
MAT 207 F
ARC 202
CSE 208B
CEE 242
CEE 212

Workshop Practice Sessional

Semester Final Viva-I
Total

Third Year: Semester I

Course No.
CEE 335
CEE 323
CEE 311
CEE 315
CEE 329
CEE 235
CEE 351
CEE 334
CEE 316
CEE 312

Third Year: Semester II

Course No.
CEE 317
CEE 337
CEE 325
CEE 319

15+13=28

Course Title
Mechanics of Solids-I
Fundamentals of Geology
Fluid Mechanics
Introduction to Computer Language
Sociology for Engineers
Vector Calculus, Matrix, Laplace Transformation and
Partial Differential Equation
AutoCAD for Civil and Environmental Engineers
Introduction to Computer Language Lab
Details of Construction
Engineering Materials Sessional
Total

Second Year: Semester II

Course No.
CEE 213
STAT 211
CEE 249
CEE 231
CEE 221
CEE 245
CEE 222
CEE 214
CEE 218
CEE 248
CEE 246
CEE 210

0+2

Course Title
Mechanics of Solids-II
Statistics
Numerical Analysis
Water and Waste Water Treatment Engineering
Hydrology
Surveying
Fluid Mechanics Sessional
Quantity Surveying
Mechanics of Solids Sessional
Remote Sensing and GIS Sessional
Practical Surveying (Field work)
Semester Final Viva-II
Total

Course Title
Environmental Pollution Control Engineering
Open Channel Hydraulics
Structural Analysis-I
Reinforced Concrete Design-I
Ground Water
Plumbing for Water Supply and Sewerage System
Geo-technical Engineering-I
Water Supply and Sewerage Engineering Sessional
Reinforced Concrete Design Sessional-I
Structural Analysis and Design Sessional-I
Total

Course Title
Structural Analysis-II
Environmental Impact Assessment
Hydraulics & Hydraulic Structure
Reinforced Concrete Design-II

1.0
0.5
21.0

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab
2+0
2+0
3+0
2+0
2+0
3+0

Credit

0+3
0+6
0+3
0+3
14+13=27

1.0
2.0
1.0
1.0
19. 0

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab
2+0
3+0
2+0
3+0
3+0
3+0
0+3
0+3
0+3
0+3
8 days
16+12=28

2.0
2.0
3.0
2.0
2.0
3.0

Credit
2.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.5
0.5
21.0

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab
2+0
3+0
3+0
3+0
2+0
3+0
3+0
0+3
0+3
0+3
19+9 =28

Credit

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab
2+0
2+0
3+0
3+0

Credit

2.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
3.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
22. 0

2.0
2.0
3.0
3.0

CEE 371
CEE 361
CEE 385
CEE 314
CEE 318
CEE 352
CEE 332
CEE 310

Fourth Year: Semester I

Course No.
CEE 411
CEE 461
CEE 481
CEE 451
CEE 483
CEE 471
CEE 441
CEE 482
CEE 464
CEE 424
CEE 436
CEE 400

Environmental
Sanitation
and
Solid
Waste
Management
Transportation Engineering-I (Roads & Highway
Engineering)
Earth Quake Engineering
Reinforced Concrete Design Sessional II
Structural Analysis and Design Sessional II
Geotechnical Engineering Sessional-I
Environmental Pollution Control Engineering Sessional
Semester Final Viva-III
Total

CEE 425
CEE 451
CEE 439
CEE 400

3.0

3+0

3.0

2+0
0+3
0+3
0+3
0+3

2.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.5
22.5

18+12=30

Course Title

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab
Structural Analysis-III
2+0
Transportation Engineering II (Railway, Waterway & Airport
3+0
Reinforced Concrete Design-III (Prestressed Concrete)
2+0
Geotechnical Engineering II
3+0
Steel Structure
2+0
Environmental Management and Auditing
2+0
Project Planning and Management
2+0
Computer Application in Structural Analysis and
0+3
Design
Transportation Engineering Sessional-I
0+3
Design of Hydraulic Structures Sessional
0+3
Field Work with Study Tour
1 week
Thesis/ Project work (will be completed in 8th semester)
0+2
Total
16+11 =27

Fourth Year: Semester II

Course No.
Course Title
CEE 413
CEE 465

3+0

Introduction to Finite Element Method

Transportation Engineering III (Traffic and Road
Safety Engineering)
Irrigation, Flood Control and River Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering III
Industrial Water & Wastewater Treatment for ETP
One theory courses from thesis related field
Thesis/ Project work
Total

Credit
2.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.5
-19.5

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab
2+0
2+0

Credit

3+0
2+0
2+0
2+0
0+6

3.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
4.5

13+6 =19

17.5

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab

Credit

2+0
2+0

2.0
2.0

2+0
2+0

2.0
2.0

2.0
2.0

Thesis Related Specialized Courses

1. Environmental Engineering
Course No.

Course Title

CEE 437
CEE 473

Hazardous and Radioactive Waste Management

Urban Environmental Engineering and Regional
Planning
Introduction to Environmental Modeling
Disaster Management

CEE 479
CEE 491

2. Geotechnical Engineering

Course No.

Course Title

CEE 457
CEE 455

Geotechnical Engineering - IV
Geo-environmental Engineering

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab
2+0
2+0

Credit

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab

Credit

2+0
2+0
2+0

2.0
2.0
2.0

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab

Credit

2+0

2.0

Hours / Week
Theory + Lab
2+0
2+0

Credit

2.0
2.0

3. Structural Engineering
Course No.

Course Title

CEE 487
CEE 489
CEE 485

Theory of Elasticity
Dynamics of Structures
Construction Practices and Management

Transportation Engineering
Course No.

Course Title

CEE 465

Traffic Planning

5. Water resources Engineering

Course No.

Course Title

CEE 429
CEE 427

Integrated Water Resource Management

Coastal Engineering

2.0
2.0

POST GADUATE PROGRAM OF CEE

CEE department started Post Graduate Program (M. Sc. Engineering and PhD) from July 2008. M. Sc Engineering Program
(Thesis group of three semesters with one and half academic year and non-thesis group of two semesters with one academic year)
has been started from July 2008.
Master of Science (M. Sc.) course in civil and environmental engineering (CEE) department will be consists of three semesters for
thesis group and of two semesters for non-thesis group being the duration of each semester of maximum six months spreading
two semesters in each calendar year as follows:
January to June and
July to December
CEE department has the provisions to offer M. Sc engineering degree in the following seven options:
M. Sc in environmental engineering
M. Sc in structural engineering
M. Sc in geotechnical engineering
M. Sc in transportation engineering
M. Sc in water resources engineering
M. Sc in construction engineering
M. Sc in disaster engineering
To fulfill the M. Sc degree (thesis group) in each option, theory courses of 24 credits and a thesis of research works of 16 credits
within three semesters not less than 12 credits in each semester have to be completed.
To fulfill the M. Sc degree (non-thesis general group) in each option, theory and/or practical courses of 30 credits and a project
works of 6 credits within two semesters have to be completed.
Table 1: Summary of M. Sc Engineering degree requirements
Groups
M. Sc
(thesis group)
M. Sc

Theory courses
24 credit
30 credit

Thesis / Project
16 credit thesis
work
6 credit project

Total
40 credits
36 credits

(non-thesis general
group)

work

Disaster Risk Reduction & Environmental Management:

Strategy to build a safer Community in a Rapid Changing World
Ram Krishna Mazumder (9th Batch of CEE)
Disaster is a serious disruption that has the potentiality causing injury to life, property and
environment. Various kind of disaster in Bangladesh commonly felt as Earthquake, Cyclones, Flood,
Drought, Tornado, River erosion. Extreme Cyclones and Flood are two biggest natural hazards with high
damage potential in Bangladesh and here, the most risky one is Earthquake, because the country is
situated on the active region of the Indian plate in the west and the Eurasian plate in the east and
north. Todays Rapid changing world, Climate change is the most vulnerable and risky for the coastal
belt. The impact of climate change is broadly harmful for the county as it is affects on Health,
Agriculture, Vegetation and wild life, Water resource, Coastal area and its life.
From all of the aspects of vulnerability, i.e.,
social, economical, physical and environmental,
the country is highly vulnerable to the future
disaster risk. As a human being we cannot
prevent the natural hazard, we need to
implement the effective Disaster Risk Reduction
(DRR) culture for its environment.
The core to disaster risk reduction is
development process which identifies and
incorporates potential disasters into managing
the change which occurs through development.
This process involves identifying hazards, their
Climate is changing
frequencies and magnitudes and impact, as well
as the social and physical vulnerabilities of
populations at Risk. For the development
practices
its
need
to
integration
of
environmental management system with DDR.

Entry
Point

Focus area

Scope of Study: Level of integration in the Asia Pacific Region

Strategic Areas:
National Adaptation Programs of Action
(NAPA)
Integrating disaster risk assessment concern
into environmental assessment
Rapid environmental impact assessment
Health and Education development
Economic Opportunity for the poor
Infrastructural Development

Adaptation livelihood strategies to Climate

Change
Land use and Infrastructure planning
Linkage between Authorities and informal
Institution
Integration between traditional and modern
technology
Early warning and information systems
Post disaster sanitation and safe water
Coastal zone management

History of Civilization
Sanjida Afrin Jhinuk, 10th Batch, CEE, SUST

The Great Sphinx in front of the Great Pyramid of

Giza at the Giza Necropolis, is the most recognizable
symbol of the Ancient Egyptian civilization.

The Great Wall of China, built from the 5th century

BC, has become the symbol of the Chinese
civilization.

Civilization is the process of civilizing or becoming civil. A civilized society is often characterized by advanced agriculture, longdistance trade, occupational specialization, and urbanism. Aside from these core elements, civilization is often marked by any
combination of a number of secondary elements, including a developed transportation system, writing, standards of measurement
(currency, etc.), contract and tort-based legal systems, great art style, monumental architecture, mathematics, sophisticated
metallurgy, and astronomy.
DEFINITION

"Civilization" is often used as a synonym for the broader term "culture" in both popular and academic circles. Every human being
participates in a culture, defined as "the arts, customs, habits... beliefs, values, behavior and material habits that constitute a
people's way of life". However, in its most widely used definition, civilization is a descriptive term for a relatively complex
agricultural and urban culture. Civilizations can be distinguished from other cultures by their high level of social complexity and
organization, and by their diverse economic and cultural activities.
It should be noted that this usage incorporates the concept of superiority and maturity of "civilized" existence, as contrasted to
"rudeness", which is used to denote coarseness, as in a lack of refinement or "civility".

Huntington's map of world

civilizations (1996).

CHARACTERISTICS
All human civilizations have depended on agriculture for subsistence. Growing food on farms results in a surplus of food,

26th century BC Sumerian cuneiform script in Sumerian language, listing gifts to the
high priestess of Adab on the occasion of her election. One of the earliest examples of
human writing.
particularly when people use intensive agricultural techniques such as irrigation and crop rotation. Grain surpluses have been
Especially important because they can be stored for a long time. A surplus of food permits some people to do things besides
produce food for a living: early civilizations included artisans, priests and priestesses, and other people with specialized careers. A
surplus of food results in a division of labor and a more diverse range of human activity, a defining trait of civilizations.
The ruling class, normally concentrated in the cities, has control over much of the surplus and exercises its will through the
actions of a government or bureaucracy. Morton Fried, a conflict theorist, and Elman Service, an integration theorist, have
classified human cultures based on political systems and social inequality. This system of classification contains four categories:

Hunter-gatherer bands, which are generally egalitarian.

Horticultural/pastoral societies in which there are generally two inherited social classes; chief and commoner.
Highly stratified structures, or chiefdoms, with several inherited social classes: king, noble, freemen, serf and slave.
Civilizations, with complex social hierarchies and organized, institutional governments.

Economically, civilizations display more complex patterns of ownership and exchange than less organized societies. Living in one
place allows people to accumulate more personal possessions than nomadic people. Some people also acquire landed property, or
private ownership of the land.

These ten Indus glyphs were discovered near the northern gate of Dholavira, India.
Writing, developed first by people in Sumer, is considered a hallmark of civilization and "appears to accompany the rise of
complex administrative bureaucracies or the conquest state." Traders and bureaucrats relied on writing to keep accurate records.
Like money, writing was necessitated by the size of the population of a city and the complexity of its commerce among people
who are not all personally acquainted with each other.
CULTURAL

IDENTITY

"Civilization" can also describe the culture of a complex society, not just the society itself. Every society, civilization or not, has a
specific set of ideas and customs, and a certain set of items and arts, that make it unique. Civilizations have even more intricate
cultures, including literature, professional art, architecture, organized religion, and complex customs associated with the elite.
Many civilizations are actually large cultural spheres containing many nations and regions. The civilization in which someone
lives is that person's broadest cultural identity.
Many historians have focused on these broad cultural spheres and have treated civilizations as single units. One example is early
twentieth-century philosopher Oswald Spengler,[11] even though he uses the German word "Kultur," "culture," for what we here
call a "civilization." He said that a civilization's coherence is based around a single primary cultural symbol. Civilizations
experience cycles of birth, life, decline and death, often supplanted by a new civilization with a potent new culture, formed around
a compelling new cultural symbol.
H OW OLD

IS N

ADVANCED CIVILIZATION ?

The Earth is about 4.6 billion years old. How old our civilization is depends on what you consider "our civilization". Modern
humans, Homo sapiens, appeared about 130,000 years ago. The area between the Tigris and Euphrates in what is now Iraq is often
called the "Cradle of Civilization", but it is thought that more civilizations developed around the same time in the fertile crescent.
According to the following timeline, that would have been between 10,000 B.C. and 4,000 B.C, but there were agricultural
settlements as early as 12,000 B.C.
Orthodox history/archeology tells us that human civilization began about 6000 years ago in Mesopotamia and that progress has
been a steady rise upwards. A few researchers and authors, however, think that a highly advanced civilization might have
flourished earlier, 10 to 14,000 years ago, meeting its demise violently during the end of the last ice age. This view, which is
strongly rejected by the vast majority of academics, claims the influence of this pre-ancient culture in codes embedded in ancient
myths and in monuments like the Sphinx. Is it possible that there is a missing chapter in the legacy of civilization, or is it just
fanciful and implausible speculation?
If the human race is about 195,000 years old (earliest homo sapiens) or 150,000 years (the birth of Mitochondrial Eve) but
civilization only began in earnest 6000 years ago- and weve gone from "Fire good!" and figuring out how to plant crops to cell
phones the size of my pinkie, space travel, and the Internet in a very short time- what the hell did our ancestors do with themselves
for 144,000 years (using the low number)?
Hancocks opinions with a grain of salt, as he freely admits to not being a trained archaeologist. But there is strong evidence that
archaeologists have been mistaken on at least one thing: the age of the Great Sphinx of Giza. Professor Robert M. Schoch of
Boston University believes that the Sphinx displays erosion consistent with prolonged exposure to heavy rain, something that last
occurred in that region at the end of the 3rd millennium. Schoch puts the date of the Sphinx construction between the 6th and 5th
millenniums, 2000 years before the orthodox date and 1500 years before the beginning of Egyptian civilization.
STAGES OF CIVILIZATION
The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history has been about 200 years. During those 200
years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:
From bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance;
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy;
From apathy to dependence;
From dependence back into bondage"

ANCIENT BENGAL

Bangladesh can be proud of its rich ancient civilization. In the past this was a very rich and developed region. Travelers like Fa
Xien in the 5th century, Hieun Tsang in the 7th century, Marco Polo & Ibne Batuta in the 14th century, Mu Huang in the 15th century
and Zaheed Begin the 17th century all left their impressions glorifying this place. They all were impressed by the general
prosperity of the land and its wealthy cities with their palaces, temples and gardens.

At present there are several sites in Bangladesh where you can still see some of those relics. Among these Paharpur, Gaud &
Puthia in Rajshahi, Mahasthan in Bogra, Kantajees Temples in Dinajpur, Satgambuj in Khulna and Moinamoti in Comilla are
most prominent.
Near Jaipurhat in Bogra, lies a small village named Paharpur where the remains of the largest known monastery south of the
Himalayas were exposed. It covers an area of about 27 acres, and consists of many structures enclosed by a continuous line of
walling. The central structure is so big that it is locally known as pahar (hill). The present name is entirely due to the presence of
the ruins of the ancient temple, which must have dominated the landscape, although it lies in the midst of the flat alluvial plain of
northern Bengal. This monument was built between the middle of the 7th century and the third part of the 8th century AD, when
Bengal was under the influence of king Sasanka, who made some attempt to assert its individuality in the sphere of art.
The ruins of ancient Pundranagar are now buried deep in Mahasthan only a few kilometers away from Bogra town. It represents
the earliest city site in Bangladesh. Archaeological evidence testifies to its existence as far back as the 3 rd century BC, and it
continued to flourish until the 15th/16th century AD. Pundranagar used to be the regional capital of the Mauryans, the Guptas, the
Palas and minor unknown Hindu dynasties. The extensive fortified mound on the western bank of Karatoya therefore represents
about 18 hundred years of intensive habitation on the site.
On the border with India, at a place called Gaud, there are many Islamic architectural relics in the form of mosques left. Most of
them were built during the rule of the Muslim Sultanate in the late 15th century. Many of these mosques bear fine examples of the
mature architecture of the Ilyas Shahi period; among them Darasbari Mosque, Dhanichak Mosque, Chota Sona Mosque, Khania
Dighi or Rajbibi Mosque are famous.
Puthia is only 23 km east of Rajshahi town. It has the largest number of historically important Hindu structures in Bangladesh.
Puthia also has one of the finest old Rajbaris (kings palace) in the country. Near Birgonj, in the Dinajpur district, you will find the
terracotta temple called Kantajees Temples, which is considered to be the most spectacular monument in Bangladesh. A 15-sq.
meter, three-storied edifice, was originally crowned with nine ornamental, two storied towers, giving it a more temple-like
appearance. These towers collapsed during the great earthquake of 1897 and were never replaced.
At Rajshahi there is a very interesting museum called Barendra Museum. Rajshahi is also the capital of the silk industry of
Bangladesh. There are several silk factories producing quality silk. The other important feature of Rajshahi is the production of
delicious mangoes in summer.
[ SOURCE : FROM INTERNET]

How Climate Change Relates to Agricultural Products

Ahmad Hasan Nury, 10th, CEE, SUST
Much of the greenhouse gases that derive from agricultural products come from the use of fossil fuels to provide power and
transport, not only on-farm but also in food processing and storage. But there are also significant on-farm sources of greenhouse
gases. Ruminants such as cows, goats and sheep produce large quantities of methane a byproduct of their digestion. Methane and
nitrous oxide also come from rice fields and from manure management practices. At the same time, it is possible to take CO2 out
of the atmosphere with appropriate farm practices. The carbon ends up in the soil, and we call this sequestered carbon. Evaluation
of climate change on the farm includes the carbon sequestered by farm practices (if any). In the upper layers of the atmosphere
(the stratosphere), the radiation from the sun reacts with oxygen and forms ozone. This three-atom form of oxygen absorbs
ultraviolet radiation (UV) very well, and the thin layer of ozone protects all life on earth from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Too much UV radiation causes skin cancer and cataracts, and also is very detrimental to plants.
There are several man-made compounds (freons and other halogenated compounds) that act to destroy ozone in the atmosphere.
These compounds are usually used in refrigeration and in fire suppression, although they also have some other applications as
solvents. Over the years, the release of these compounds through leaks in refrigeration systems and the like has led to the creation
of ozone holes at the north and south poles.
Ozone holes form at the poles because in the winter, there tends to be circumpolar winds that keep the same piece of air
circulating at the pole. Because it is dark during the entire winter, there is no sunlight to create new ozone while the old ozone is
being destroyed by halogenated compounds. In the summer, the circumpolar winds break up, and there is mixing of the ozone-free
air to lower latitudes. This causes ground-level UV to be quite high in places like South Africa and southern Australia, and
northern Canada.
Different halogenated compounds have different capacities to destroy ozone, as well as different residence time in the atmosphere.
Some halogenated compounds have an atmospheric lifetime of over a thousand years. Just like greenhouse gases, a scale has been
developed that compares the strength of different ozone depletes to a standard, in this case to CFC-11. The amount of halogenated

substances in the stratosphere is going down, because international agreements have phased out their manufacture. Nevertheless,
the ozone holes are still getting bigger and bigger. It is not clear why this is happening. Some scientists think it may be related to
climate change modifying the radiation balance in the atmosphere. Many agricultural products are refrigerated to maintain their
freshness. We evaluate stratospheric ozone depletion through records on the release of halogenated compounds from refrigeration
systems. Fire suppression systems for agricultural systems on farm and in processing facilities do not use ozone depleting
substances.

A Guide to Innovation in the Design and Construction of

High-Rise Residential Buildings
Mohammad Moniruzzaman, 11th BatchCEE,SUST, Sylhet

High-rise residential buildings play an important role in housing. While the benefits of such housing are generally considerable
such as proximity to services and public transportation, efficient use of land and infrastructurehigh-rises have not kept pace
with recent technological advances. Common inadequacies include:

water penetration and air leakage through the building envelope, resulting in structural and other damage, high energy
costs and occupant discomfort
inadequate thermal envelope performance and thermal bridging, resulting in occupant discomfort and high energy costs
heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems strongly affected by wind pressure and building stack effects,
resulting in occupant discomfort and poor indoor air quality
changes in land use that impact on storm water flow
occupant dissatisfaction with noise levels
lack of accessibility for people with disabilities.

Warranty programs have covered many repair costs, but this has depleted their reserves. Developers are now increasingly
expected to bear the cost of remedial repairs and replacement of deteriorating components.
Researchers, architects and engineers agree that better high-rise buildings can be constructed. Improving performance requires
changes in the design and construction process, more comprehensive and improved detailing, enhanced quality control and
commissioning processes, improved operation and maintenance procedures, and thinking of the building as a whole, from
construction through operation.
During the 1990s, building scientists, researchers and practitioners invested considerable effort in developing improved design
and construction procedures to address typical problems encountered in high-rise residential buildings.They found ways to
upgrade parking garages, enhance envelope durability and improve a multi-unit buildings thermal envelope, HVAC (heating,
ventilation and air conditioning)systems, accessibility and environmental performance.
The high-rise building problems arising from conventional practices. It provides insight into building science principles by
exploring key issues associated with various design aspects. It then presents design considerations for improving building
performance, identifies retrofit opportunities and discusses regional differences.
The guide emphasizes the need for a holistic, integrated approach in designing and constructing high-rises.Typically, the various
disciplines and trades involved in these processes operate independently of one another. It is thought that improvements in
durability, efficiency, comfort and aesthetics could be achieved without cost surcharges if all disciplines readily collaborated in
developing buildings as systems.
Researchers are able to draw a direct correlation between the limitations of project designs and problems found in high-rise
buildings. Inadequate and incorrect detailing is a common problem, and the rationale for specific details is often poorly
communicated to the field.
Even where plans and specifications are excellent, problems can arise. Specified materials are frequently substituted with ones
that are not compatible. Manufacturers installation requirements are not always followed, and training and quality control
measures can fall short. An integrated project team approach would help to avoid such problems and improve building
performance by ensuring that construction meets the specified requirements.

Non-existent or inadequate commissioning and testing protocols are another source of problems. All too often, problems are
identified at a late stage in the construction process, or after a building has been occupied, requiring costly remedial work. Failure
to detect construction defects increases costs to both owners and operators. Mock-up testing of typical sample assemblies is an
essential tool for ensuring a project will operate as intended. Usually, the cost of testing pays for itself during the construction
period, as well as saving costs afterwards.
When buildings are turned over to owners and property managers, design and construction teams often do not clearly
communicate the operating and maintenance requirements. Operation manuals need to be provided and staff need to be trained in
performing regular maintenance to minimize costly remedial and repair work and to ensure efficient functioning of all building
systems.
Most problems in high-rise residential buildings result from the interplay between movement of air, moisture and heat. Winds can
exert significant pressures, forcing air into a building and drawing it out through leaks and cracks in the building envelope. The
effect of air leakage on building performance is significant. It can cause considerable occupant discomfort and contribute to
deterioration of buildings through moisture damage.
In winter, the vertical air movement of stack effect results in cooler air entering the lower levels of a building and rising as it
warms. The taller the building and the greater the temperature difference between the inside and outside, the greater the stack
pressure. Lower levels tend to be under heated, while upper levels are over heated. This effect can also cause back drafting and
uncontrolled smoke movement during fires.
Tightening the building envelope helps counter the movement of air caused by the stack effect. It prevents moisture migration into
and out of the building envelope, improves occupant comfort and reduces energy costs. It allows for the integration of smaller,
more appropriately sized mechanical systems, which also reduces operating costs.
Moisture can result in the deterioration of building cladding systems over time and cause other structural damage. Cracks and
penetrations in the building envelope provide opportunities for moisture or water penetration, which can lead to mold and rot
within the walls, as well as more visible damage. Key means for protecting against moisture and water damage in high-rise
buildings include improved detailing and construction procedures, shedding water away from the building envelope, pressureequalized rain screen wall systems and improved air leakage control.
Healthy High-Rise is an excellent resource for anyone wanting ready access to concise, practical information about improving
multi-unit or high-rise residential building performance. It identifies key areas that need to be considered and provides insight on a
considerable range of topics, both the issues and solutions.

Our Environment and Sustainable Development

Mohammad Moniruzzaman, 11th Batch, CEE, SUST
There are certain inexorable forces guiding human behavior.
Man will try to make his life easier and more comfortable
whatever may be his circumstances. In fact, since the
beginning of civilization, man has tried to control the
environment in which he lives, to shape it or even transform it
to suit his needs. He has logged timber and cleared forests,
drained marshes, embanked and dammed rivers, in order to
provide himself with shelter, livelihood and safety.
In the river valleys of the Nile in Egypt, the Tigris and the
Euphrates in Mesopotamia and the Indus, he controlled and
used river water for agriculture and saved himself from the
daily chore of finding food. He was thus able to engage in
various physical and intellectual pursuits and developed the
first great civilizations.
Whereas adapting to the forces of nature is the norm in the
plant and animal kingdoms, man has constantly striven to
make his life easier and comfortable by changing the
environment. In the words of the Stockholm declaration
(1972), "Man is both creature and molder of his environment,

which gives him physical sustenance and affords him the

opportunity for intellectual, moral, social and spiritual
growth." Man's relationship with nature has been both
harmonious and antagonistic.

The Industrial Revolution followed by a near explosive

growth in population has changed the face of the planet. The
human population, which registered a slow increase over
centuries, reached one billion in 1804. Thanks to the
application of science and technology, longevity has since
continuously increased. The second billion was reached in
only 123 years. The pace kept accelerating and the population
leapt from 5 billion to 6 billion in 1999 in only 12 years.
Although fertility rates are declining, by the current trends the
population would reach 9 billion by 2050 and stabilize only
after 2080. Meeting the basic needs of the increasing
population and perhaps more importantly, the demand for

material prosperity have placed an enormous strain on our

resources. The resultant agricultural and industrial growth as
well as urbanization has also severely damaged the
environment.
The use of chemicals in agriculture has destroyed entire ecosystems not only on land but also in the rivers and water
bodies, which receive the run-off. An example of a major
breakdown of the ecological system is the shrinking of the
great inland lake. The receding waters left behind miles of
salty, man-made desert. The unique wildlife of the delta
comprising boar, deer, jackals, even tigers was devastated.
Drinking water in the region became salty and polluted with
fertilizers and pesticides, causing alarming increases in birth
defects, miscarriages, kidney damage and cancer.
A report published in 1990 stated that the incidence of
esophageal cancer in some communities near the Aral Sea had
increased to seven times the national level in the then Soviet
Union. Today, the runoff from the farms of the central United
States has turned the Gulf of Mexico into almost a dead sea.
In many parts of our country, chemicals from farmland have
leached into even deep aquifers. Industries manufacturing
chemicals are also prone to Major accident hazards.
Uncontrolled runaway reactions, dumping of chemicals and
accidents in transporting hazardous chemicals have caused
great losses of lives, debilitating diseases and long lasting
poisoning of land and water.
The strength of the green house effect depends on the
chemical composition of the atmosphere because the
phenomenon is due to the absorption of infrared radiation by
various gases in the air. We have been doing just that by
pumping methane, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons and especially
carbon dioxide for a century or more. The current stock of
GHGs in the atmosphere is equivalent to 430 parts per million
of CO2, compared to only 280 ppm before the Industrial
Revolution.
Climate change owing to the increase in GHG in the
atmosphere is no longer a hypothesis now but a proven theory.
The earth surface temperature has risen by about half a degree
since 1975. According to the report of Sir Nicholas Stern

released by the British Government in October 2006, on

current trends, average global temperatures would rise by 2-3
degrees Celsius within the next 50 years or so. The Earth will
be committed to several degrees more warming if emissions
continue to grow.
Sea levels would rise on account of thermal expansion of sea
water and the partial melting of glaciers and ice packs. With 34 degree Celsius warming, low lying coastal areas in
Bangladesh, Vietnam and many other countries as well as
many islands will go under water. Coastal cities like New
York, London, Tokyo and Cairo would be threatened.
Heat waves will be more frequent and more intense. Droughts
and wildfires will occur more often. And as habitat changes or
is destroyed, species will be pushed to extinction. There
would be an increase in the incidence of vector related
diseases like malaria and dengue (through mosquitoes),
yellow fever, kalazar and encephalitis. An increase in
temperature and humidity would also lead to a higher
incidence of diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, cholera and
typhoid. Floods and droughts, accompanying climate change,
would cause epidemics of these water borne diseases.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were developed in the
1930, were considered magic chemicals. They are non-toxic,
non-flammable and non-reactive with other chemical
compounds. They are also thermodynamically stable. They
found wide commercial uses particularly in refrigeration and
air-conditioning.
Now these magic chemicals when released in the air drift
upward to the stratosphere. They change their character and
attack ozone molecules. The thin layer of ozone, which
envelops the earth in the stratosphere, is damaged by a chain
reaction that starts off at the end of the cold winter of
Antarctic. As we know the solar radiation contains ultraviolet
radiation. UV-A, which is closest to the visible spectrum, is
not harmful, but UV-B and UV-C are progressively more
dangerous. The ozone layer cuts out UV-B allowing only 23% reaching the earth. UV-C is also absorbed by ozone,
though oxygen plays the main role. By filtering out the most
dangerous part of the sun radiation, the ozone layer protects
animal and plant life.

Threat of Global Warming

Sardar Abdul Kasem Masum, 12th Batch,CEE,SUST
Global warming and climate change refer to an increase in average global temperatures. Natural events and human activities are
believed to be contributing to an increase in average global temperatures. This is caused primarily by increases in greenhouse
gases such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
The Impacts Of Global Warming are:
Small Average Global Temperature Change Can Have A Big Impact
Extreme Weather Patterns
Super-Storms
Ecosystem Impacts
Rising Sea Levels
Increasing Ocean Acidification
Increase In Pests And Disease
Failing Agricultural Output; Increase In World Hunger
Agriculture And Livelihoods Are Already Being Affected

Women Face Brunt Of Climate Change Impacts

Rapid Changes In Global Temperature

Different types of carbon emissions as colors of carbon:

Industrial emissions of greenhouse gases that affect the climate.

Carbon stored in terrestrial ecosystems e.g. plant biomass, soils, wetlands and pasture and increasingly recognized as a
key item for negotiation in the UNFCCC.
Carbon bound in the worlds oceans. An estimated 55% of all carbon in living organisms is stored in mangroves,
marshes, sea grasses, coral reefs and macro-algae.
Formed through incomplete combustion of fuels and may be significantly reduced if clean burning technologies are
employed.
The U.S. being the worlds largest emitter of greenhouse gases, pulled out in 2001, leaving treaty ratification dependent
on Russia, responsible for 17% of world emissions. Russia has to cut emission levels from the Soviet days, and their
emissions in the past decade has been far less, so it should not pose as much of a problem to reduce such emissions.
The most affected countries: Bangladesh , Myanmar, Honduras, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Haiti, India, Dominican
Republic, Philippines &China.
Pollution from various industries, the burning of fossil fuels, methane from farm animals, forest destruction, rotting/dead
vegetation etc have led to an increased number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Even sulphur emitted from ships are thought to contribute a fair bit to climate change. In fact, sulphur based gas,
originating from industry, discovered in 2000 is thought to be the most potent greenhouse gas measured to date.

It is matter of hope that some countries are reducing the green house productive materials, such as UK (15.1% reduction)
benefited by switching from coal to natural gas but that switch is largely in place now.

Germany (18.2% reduction) has certainly invested in greenhouse gas emission reductions, but has been helped in large
part because of reunification

Other reductions have come in part from relocating manufacturing to other places such as China, which now claims at
least one third of its emissions are because of production for others.

I think we can prevent Global warming by the following way:

Public awareness.
Tree plantation.
National & international seminar, conference etc.
Industrialization should be increased through proper planning

SUST VS BUET
Md. Ashraful Arefin, 10th Batch, CEE, SUST
Everyone, after seeing this topic must be surprised. Some of you are thinking what type of headline is this. Dont panic. First read
it carefully, everything will be clear. Another word, please dont take it seriously. But I believe it.
Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and BUET is the capital of all the engineering institutes. Some are think, without study in
BUET no one can become a good engineer. A student who reads in BUET is best and better than all as well as a good student too.
Thats why the institute BUET stands alone with no other competitor. Other institutes must not compare with BUET. BUET
become the GOD of Engineering Institutes. Here arises a little problem. The word GOD has its plural form GODESS.
There is no chance to bypass that, our SUST far behind from BUET. Isnt it acceptable? Of course yes. There are huge reasons
behind it. As:

Firstly, there is a lack of willingness of our Government. They think Dhaka is everything. They cant think anything
without Dhaka. A large amount of budget is sanction for BUET in every year. If 1/3 of this budget is to be sanctioned
for us.
Every person think, Dhaka is the main source for earning money. This centralization pressure effect on the existence
of Dhaka city. The total amount of population in Dhaka is high. It lost its culture and its fame day by day only for
this.
There are huge differences of facilities between BUET and our SUST. They have instruments which are sufficient
for them.
They have a lot of experience teachers where our teachers are not compare able.
They select the top class students of the country.

There are such many things to say which prove that BUET is almost the best. But our headline is SUST VS BUET. So we have
something to say about us which must be prove that only BUET is not the best. For many reasons a student of BUET can say that
I am the best. My problem is now creates. Suppose, SUST is out of competition, but there are some other institutes such as
RUET, CUET, KUET. What about them. Ok, let them go. Let us talk about only SUST.
If I say that, we are the best. Is it wrong? Obviously not. But I dont dare to say it. How could I say that. I have no right to say this.
But I believe it. Why?
One day I met one BUET student. He said that, Vai, after admit in BUET on thing I observed that every single student of the
BUET is creative. Everyone has some special qualities. Someone is very good in reading, someone in sports, someone in writing
etc. he told is so proudly. I just laugh at his word and didnt answer any thing. But he doesnt know one thing or may be forget
that ALLAH creates every one with some special quality or ability. This is not applicable only for the student of BUET but for all.
Department of CE, BUET stand alone with pride at BUET campus. It is a seven storied building and the whole one is used only
for CE department. The most powerful department of BUET. Its not my opinion. My friend who is in IP department told me this.
I think everyone will agree with it. Where we have just one floor and not so large. We have no sufficient class rooms. They have
modern lab facilities. Huge amount of instruments and sufficient lab rooms. We havent these instruments. Even we dont know
about those. We use prototype of these instruments. The class is taken by experienced professors. Their lecturers only take the lab
classes. Where our lecturers have to take both lab and theory classes. That is only for the lack of teachers. If we start to find this
dissimilarity, we can find out a lot which clearly prove that we are far far behind from them. But I think beside this, everyone
should also know that an engineer have to work not only knowing the things and use the instruments. Knowing one thing is not
hard but applying this knowledge in the field is really tough. As an institute BUET is the best but it not proved that all the students
of BUET is also the best one and they are the best engineers. If such thing happens, the engineers of the other students have to
lead their life without job.
Our lab facilities are so poor. A lot of things we dont know. Is it a big problem? I dont think so. Those are not use vastly. The
instruments which we need all time, we have those. Suppose, BUET has 10 UTM machine and we have just 1. So what, it not
proved that, they know better use of it or they have got extra facilities. In every batch they are 180 students where we are only 45
to 50. If we make 4 or 5 groups it is as same as they do. Quantity doesnt factor at all. The only factor is to know about it and its
use. And we think, we know how it can work and how to maintain.
Theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge- two different terms and different objectives. First one shows what and second
one shows how. First one is not so hard. Everyone can do this only by reading books and shearing the topics with others. But, after
this the portion which called implementation- everyone doesnt do this successfully and easily. Sometimes it takes several years to
know and become an expertise on it. From this point of view, I found no difference between BUET and SUST. Even we think we
are better than them. How? We are facing so many problems in our way when we are in learning phase. A desire to know about
things are always in our mind and we are always try to know new things, do new things and think better of it. We always try to
overcome our lacking by doing things carefully, perfectly and successfully. We always try to show our best and continuously
prove we are also the dominating group. We are not step behind from BUET, but at the same level and somewhere one step ahead
of them.
Working ability doesnt depend on good or bad student where we measure the students by the result. Workability is a persons own
character and power. In this case there is no difference between BUET, SUST or others. Everyone may be same. A student who is
reading in BUET hasnt any extra ordinary power that he must do better than us. So wheres the difference? A student having bad
result no indicate that he cant do better thing. If it is then Einstein, Newton didnt do that for us. Every batch has a first boy who
in near future will get appoint as a lecturer. But maximum time we see that they are not a good teacher as their result. Even he
goes to another student in his class to understand many things and if the second one will get appoint as a lecturer he would be
better than first one. Like this, we have the ability to prove ourselves that we are also as good as them and we deserve it.
BUET is the first engineering institutes in Bangladesh. In maximum companies they sit at top positions and they take the written
and viva exam. The students of BUET get some extra advantage from it. If our seniors will be there they must be prefer us than
others. He must try his best to appoint us. This is a system loss. The question paper of the written exam is prepared by the teachers
of BUET. So, the students of BUET have the preliminary idea about the question type. Because they are know about the teachers
and their question patterns. Suppose, if we know that in an exam our teacher name X will prepare the question paper, I can
challenge that our exam preparation will be much better than others. This is the reality. I think this system should change. Exam
board will keep secret. Then the probability of the BUET student may reduce to 50%. If we get the facilities like BUET, the pride
of BUET will destroy.

Next one is syllabus comparison. There are some differences. But we dont think we need more than our syllabus. Only 20-30% of
academic knowledge we need to apply. Rest of 80% we have to learn from our working places, our seniors and shearing with
others and almost new things.
We have teacher problem. We require more teachers. But these small no of teachers are working so hard and so much cordial with
us. Thats why we never feel the lacking of teachers. They maintain the schedule carefully and perform their duty so successfully.
Only for their kindness we can run our department so well and facing very little problems.
We have no sheet ( Choutha ) system. We just use our seniors note for our help and note ourselves maximum time. We use book
for reading. Sheet must not be sufficient. May be it carries good marks but
Many people say that in SUST there is session problem. They cant complete their syllabus within the time period. Its a totally
misunderstanding. In BUET at least eight months of session problem. Before every semester final exam they take 30-45 days
leave. They always busy with tuitions, part time jobs, coaching classes etc. They dont have the sufficient time to read. We also do
tuition but we never try to delay our exam just for one days, never. Our 2006 batch now in 3/2, where in BUET they are waiting
for their 3/1 final exam. When they finish their exam we will near about the finishing line to 3/2. Almost 1 semester ahead. I think
no need to tell more about it.
BATA is a good company for shoes. But now its quality decrease and people try to find its replacement. Similarly, now-a-days
BUET is not the only one institute which produces good quality engineers. Competition increase so fast and every one try his best
to survive. There is no level by which one can identify who is from BUET and who is from others. But if one can do better
everyone just say one thing, He is a good engineer. And thats our destiny and goal.
There are so many things by which we can prove that BUET is not the best.
Thank You to all.

[ N.B.: Please dont take it otherwise. ]