Bangladeshi youths’ global recognition

Rounak Marium

In the southern coastal areas of Bangladesh, getting fresh drinking water is a constant struggle. The water is often too salty to drink, which makes daily life hard for many people. Girls wait in long lines for water, facing the risk of harassment. Many pregnant women suffer health problems from drinking the salty water, and many others develop skin issues from long term use of salty water. This situation corners many families into early marriages for their daughters, hoping to give them a better life elsewhere. This is just a small example of the growing crisis.

Tetra, a project started by former students of BUET, is working to bring change to these communities. In 2018, a team of four students--Mubasshir Tahmid, Sabrina Rashid Sheonty, Asif Hossain, and Shabbir Karim came together to address this serious issue. What began as a student project quickly turned into a mission. Over the years, Tetra ran several pilot projects in different coastal areas. By last year, they had found their solution, and they're now growing their reach. Tetra uses solar power to turn salty water into fresh drinking water, which is both simple and sustainable.

Recently, Tetra's hard work was recognised at the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress in Toronto, Canada. The Congress is one of the biggest events for water experts, drawing people from around the world to discuss solutions for water challenges. Tetra won two prestigious awards at this event. First, they won the Project Innovation Award in the category of Governance, Institute, and Social Enterprise, and second, co-founder Sheonty received the Young Leadership Award.

These awards are a big moment for Tetra. They are the first Bangladeshi team to receive these honours from IWA, which highlights their impact on a global level. "I am really happy and humbled to get this award as the first Bangladeshi and represent Bangladesh at the global platforms," Sheonty said. "I believe this recognition will give Tetra credibility and partnership possibilities with global entities."

Tetra's way of solving the problem is different from other solutions because it combines new technology with a focus on community needs. While many solutions rely only on technology, Tetra pays attention to the specific needs and behaviours of the people in each community. The team also conducted a large study to understand the local culture and daily practices around water use. This helps them make sure that their solution works well for each community in the long term. Their solar-powered desalination system not only provides fresh drinking water but also fits into the lifestyle and needs of local people.

Tetra's journey began with the HULT Prize, a global competition that encourages students to create projects with social impact. After that, Tetra continued to gain recognition. They won the UNDP Safe Water Challenge in 2018, received support from Aqua for All and YY Ventures, and recently secured funding from COP28 at Expo City Dubai. This international support has been important, helping Tetra test their project in different places and improve it based on community feedback. With their market-ready solution, Tetra is now in its growth phase, reaching more areas in need.

The IWA Congress, which took place from August 11 to 15, 2024 in Toronto, Canada, was a fitting stage for Tetra's success. The event brought together thousands of water experts and researchers who shared new ideas and solutions for water problems. This year's theme, "Shaping our water future," resonated deeply with Tetra's mission to create sustainable water solutions in Bangladesh.

These awards are a big milestone for Tetra's growth. These have put Tetra in the global spotlight and attracted interest from international partners. "Our vision is clear," said Sheonty. "We want to be the water solution hub for Bangladesh and provide innovative and sustainable solutions for different water and environmental issues."

As Tetra grows, their work stands as a powerful example of how Bangladeshi talent and determination can make a real difference in solving the country's toughest challenges. With their fresh approach to addressing water scarcity, Tetra is helping build a safer, healthier future for coastal communities. And with global recognition and support, they're ready to take this mission even further.

[email protected]