Dear Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
Dhaka
As Bangladesh is being rapidly urbanized, the demand for construction materials continues to rise. The use of conventional bricks, which are made of clay and rely on coal, wood, and other fossil fuels, has been going on for decades, posing serious environmental threats to Bangladesh. But in response, bio-bricks, which are made by using organic and recycled materials, such as agricultural waste, sawdust, and bacteria-induced biocementation, have emerged as an innovative and eco-friendly alternative and are gaining traction in Bangladesh. Compared to conventional bricks, bio-bricks offer a sustainable way forward for the construction sector of the country. But the bio-bricks are still used less in Bangladesh, despite their potentials, leading to concerns.
As the demand for bricks is increasing in Bangladesh, so is the need for bio-bricks — an environmentally helpful alternative — that can minimize the negative impacts. Notably, traditional brick kilns, which release harmful emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur oxides and contribute nearly 38 percent of the nation’s air pollution (the highest contributor), severely affect public health, accelerate climate change and deplete fertile topsoil, leading to soil erosion and reduced agricultural productivity in Bangladesh. Contrarily, the porous nature of bio-bricks, which are lightweight, durable, and have excellent thermal insulation properties, enhances water absorption, reducing the risks of waterlogging, an important benefit for a flood-prone country like Bangladesh. Additionally, their environmentally friendly production process promotes a circular economy by utilizing waste materials.
While the government of Bangladesh issued a notice mandating the use of bio-bricks in public construction projects in 2019 targeting 10 percent by the 2019-20 fiscal year and 100 percent in 2024-25, several organizations and research institutions are exploring bio-bricks as a viable construction material. Among others, the government also provided financial support ($50 million) in 2023 for converting traditional burnt bricks to block bricks. Despite these promising developments, challenges remain, leading to their limited use in Bangladesh. A major hurdle is the lack of awareness among the public and technical expertise among local builders. Among others, the initial cost of producing bio-bricks is higher than traditional bricks, making large-scale adoption difficult without financial incentives and policy support.
Photo credit: https://edition.cnn.com/.
Bio-bricks have the potential to revolutionize Bangladesh’s construction industry by reducing harmful emissions. While challenges exist, they need to be addressed to facilitate their widespread adoption in construction. By embracing bio-bricks, Bangladesh can take a significant step toward a greener and more sustainable future. But to make bio-bricks mainstream in Bangladesh, the government’s strong intervention in policy and other terms is crucial. The government needs to put importance on the targeted policy of increasing the use of bio-bricks and phasing out or reducing clay bricks. The continuation of the financial support of the government will also help the transition from traditional to bio-bricks in Bangladesh — at least somewhat.
Collaborations between the public and private sectors, along with academic institutions, can further drive technological advancements and cost reductions in making bio-bricks. Additionally, the incorporation of bio-bricks into national building regulations and large-scale infrastructure projects would boost industry confidence and promote its wider use in Bangladesh. Though government agencies and others have begun to take an interest in incorporating bio-bricks into construction projects, public awareness campaigns highlighting their environmental and economic benefits are vital and will contribute to their acceptance in Bangladesh.
Salma Akhter
Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management
Noakhali Science and Technology University
Noakhali, Bangladesh
Email: sakther801@gmail.com
DISCLAIMER: The views/opinions expressed are those of the LTE authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Magazine or its editorial team.
