Institute of Glass and Ceramic Research and Testing (IGCRT), BCSIR, and a PhD researcher at RMIT University, Sabrina Mostafa has highlighted rice husk as a low-cost alternative to conventional decolouring agents for textile wastewater treatment in Bangladesh.

Presenting findings from her research, titled “Process Development for the Treatment of Wastewater from Textile Industries in Bangladesh,” at a discussion hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology, she said locally available natural materials could make wastewater treatment more affordable and environmentally friendly.

Dr Narshad Haque, a scientific officer who joined the discussion virtually from Australia, said the approach could support a greener and more competitive textile sector. Chief guest Md Anwar Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, emphasised the need for modern wastewater treatment technologies to protect the environment and support sustainable industrialisation. He called for joint research and process development between BCSIR and industry organisations, including the BGMEA and BKMEA.

The discussion also explored field trials and initial applications through the Australia-Bangladesh Innovation Centre, with technical and research support from Dr Haque. Participants discussed expanding the technology across the textile industry through targeted expert assistance and collaboration. If successfully scaled, the approach could help reduce dependence on expensive imported treatment materials while supporting more sustainable industrial wastewater management.