Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina kick-started the construction of the 200 MLD Pagla Energy Neutral Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) on July 13, 2023, signifying a significant step in the country’s sustainable infrastructure development.

The foundation stone laying ceremony was held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center, Agargaon, Dhaka and witnessed the attendance of various prominent figures. These included Md. Tazul Islam, MP, Minister – Ministry of Local Govt., Rural Development and Co-operatives, Muhammad Ibrahim, Secretary – Local Govt. Division, Taqsem A Khan, Managing Director & CEO – Dhaka WASA, and Yao Wen, Ambassador – Embassy of China to Bangladesh.

In March 2023, VA TECH WABAG LIMITED secured a significant order worth approximately $100 million from Dhaka Water Supply & Sewerage Authority (Dhaka WASA) to Design, Build, and Operate (DBO) the facility. This initiative aligns with the Dhaka Sanitation Improvement Project (DSIP) and is funded by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

The Pagla STP, set to operate for 60 months, involves design, engineering, supply, construction, installation, and commissioning of the 200 MLD STP. It uses the Activated Sludge Treatment Process that utilizes Green Fuel (Biogas) produced during the wastewater treatment process. This sustainable method contributes to combating global climate change and meets top-tier environmental norms.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh expressed that the development of such power-neutral STPs would place Bangladesh as a forerunner in South and South East Asia. The development supports the promotion of sustainability and addresses global climate change.

Rajiv Mittal, CMD – VA TECH WABAG LIMITED, noted that the project adheres to SDG 06 Goals of the UN by promoting innovative and sustainable technologies for water and wastewater management. The facility will improve water quality by treating and discharging wastewater effectively, thus reducing untreated wastewater volume significantly. Additionally, the plant’s resource recovery model will allow it to produce renewable energy from biogas, leading to lower operational costs.

As part of the effort to rejuvenate River Ganga under the Clean Ganga Mission in India, WABAG seeks to impact the water quality of Dhaka’s rivers positively. Arvind Dullu, Regional Business Head – South Asia, expressed pride in supporting the Government of Bangladesh’s vision to provide clean and safe sanitation services to Dhaka’s citizens.

  Bangladesh, Dhaka, Pagla STP project, Rajiv Mittal, Sheikh Hasina, VA TECH WABAG, Wastewater treatment