News & Events
Keisuke Iyadomi, the new Task Team Leader (TTL) from the World Bank of the SMART Project, visited Rangpur on 17 July 2025, to observe field activities, with a particular focus on the project’s environmental impact. He took on the role of TTL earlier this month.
During his visit, Keisuke Iyadomi and his team explored three eco-block production centers in Rangpur Sadar upazila. These factories, supported by the SMART project, are promoting eco-friendly construction materials through Resource-Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP) practices.
Bushra Nishat, Environmental Specialist, The World Bank; Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART project; A.K.M. Zahirul Haque, Deputy Project Coordinator of the SMART project, among others, were also present during the visit. The visitors exchanged views with the micro-entrepreneurs of the ‘Eco-friendly Construction Materials’ sub-sector and the sub-project team in Rangpur.
“As the new TTL for the project, this is my first visit to see the activities in the field under the SMART project,” stated Keisuke Iyadomi. He emphasized on the environmental benefits, adding, “The production and use of environment-friendly blocks will protect the top soil of the land, reduce carbon emissions, increase the yield of the crop, and have positive effects on climate change.”
The ‘Promoting Eco-Friendly Construction Materials through Resource Efficient Cleaner Production’ sub-project, implemented by the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) under the SMART project, aims to reduce environmental degradation caused by traditional construction methods by introducing sustainable alternatives.
Micro-entrepreneurs in Rangpur are now focused on product diversification within the construction materials sector. They expressed aspirations to expand into high-quality eco-block production while following the environmental and waste management protocols. This vision, they noted, hinges on receiving financial and technical support.
This discussion took place during a workshop organized by ESDO at their office in Rangpur. The event provided a vital platform for local micro-entrepreneurs to discuss the adoption of new technologies, resource-efficient and cleaner production methods, as well as associated challenges and possibilities.
The workshop was presided over by Gokul Chandra Biswas, where Keisuke Iyadomi spoke as the Chief Guest. Attendees included eight micro-entrepreneurs, several contractors, government officials from the Department of Environment (DoE) and Public Works Department (PWD), teachers from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, and other relevant stakeholders.
