Introduction

The readymade garments (RMG) sector is the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy. It contributes
more than 80% of the country’s total export earnings and provides employment to millions of
workers. However, the rapid expansion of this industry has created significant environmental
challenges, particularly related to water consumption and wastewater generation. Most garment
factories require large volumes of water during textile processing operations such as washing, dyeing,
bleaching, and finishing. These processes generate heavily contaminated wastewater that contains
high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended
solids (TSS), dyes, salts, and various hazardous chemicals.

Several studies have highlighted that untreated or inadequately treated effluents from garment
factories are one of the major sources of industrial water pollution in Bangladesh. Many factories
discharge their effluents directly into nearby rivers and water bodies without proper treatment, leading
to deterioration of water quality, ecosystem degradation, and public health risks. Research published
in environmental journals has shown that in areas surrounding industrial zones like Savar, Gazipur,
and Narayanganj, the surface water and groundwater often contain pollutant concentrations far
exceeding national and international standards. The affected rivers, including Buriganga River, Turag
River, and Shitalakshya River, have become symbols of this growing crisis.

To address these problems, effluent treatment plants (ETPs) have been made mandatory in the
industrial policy framework of Bangladesh. The purpose of ETPs is to remove contaminants from
industrial wastewater before it is discharged into the environment. Various treatment technologies are
used in these plants, including physical, chemical, and biological processes. Among them, biological
treatment methods such as Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors and biofiltration have
shown promising results in reducing organic and chemical loads at relatively low operational costs.
However, despite the regulatory requirements, not all factories operate ETPs effectively. Some lack
ETP facilities altogether, while others face technical, financial, and operational barriers to maintaining
them properly.

The implementation challenges are multifaceted. Many factories consider ETP operation an additional
cost rather than an environmental necessity. Skilled manpower, regular maintenance, and proper
monitoring are often inadequate. Moreover, weak enforcement of environmental regulations
contributes to poor compliance. On the other hand, the introduction of advanced treatment
technologies, stronger regulatory frameworks, and incentives for wastewater reuse can create
opportunities for sustainable industrial growth. Concepts like Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) and
circular water systems are gradually being explored as long-term solutions.

This thesis aims to investigate the current status of wastewater generation and treatment in garment
factories in Bangladesh. It will analyze the quality of wastewater, evaluate the effectiveness of
existing ETP technologies, and identify the key challenges and opportunities for improvement. The
study will also examine the economic and environmental benefits of proper wastewater management
in the RMG sector. Ultimately, the goal is to provide practical insights and policy recommendations
to strengthen wastewater treatment systems and support sustainable industrial development in
Bangladesh.

Introduction
The textile and garment industry is at the center of Bangladesh’s economic story. It is the country’s
largest source of foreign currency and contributes heavily to its GDP. Over the past few decades,
rapid growth in textile dyeing and finishing has turned this sector into a massive industrial engine. But
with this growth comes an equally large stream of wastewater that is discharged into the environment
every single day.

Textile manufacturing is a long and chemical-intensive process. It starts with fiber production, then
moves through spinning, weaving or knitting, and finally to dyeing and finishing before the fabric is
turned into garments. The stages of slashing, bleaching, mercerizing, and dyeing alone consume huge
volumes of water and release highly contaminated effluents. A single production cycle can involve
strong acids and alkalis, chlorinated compounds, sodium hypochlorite, dyes, bleaching agents, starch,
wetting agents, detergents, surfactants, and various salts. These substances raise levels of BOD, COD,
TDS, TSS, and heavy metals in the wastewater—making it harmful not just for rivers and fish but
also for soil and human health.

Bangladesh, a land built around rivers, depends heavily on surface water. This makes the impact of
untreated wastewater especially dangerous. When effluents are discharged without proper treatment,
they alter the physical, chemical, and biological balance of water bodies. That’s not just an
environmental issue; it’s a public health risk. Communities that rely on nearby rivers for daily needs
face contaminated water that can cause long-term harm to health, agriculture, and aquatic life.

Numerous studies have documented just how bad this problem has become. For example, research in
Dhaka Export Processing Zone found average BOD levels of 157 mg/L, COD of 508.8 mg/L, and
total solids of 9140.8 mg/L in textile effluents. Other studies in Gazipur District reported pH levels
ranging from 9.2 to 10.5, TDS between 4247–6700 mg/L, TSS of 100–390 mg/L, and COD values as
high as 1650 mg/L. These levels are far above Bangladesh’s legal discharge limits.

Industrial hubs like Savar, Gazipur, and Narayanganj—where hundreds of dyeing factories operate—
are now hotspots of water pollution. A large portion of this wastewater flows untreated into rivers,
canals, ponds, and farmlands. The Buriganga River, Turag River, and Shitalakshya River have turned
dark and toxic over the years, making the situation impossible to ignore.

To tackle this, effluent treatment plants (ETPs) are legally required for garment and dyeing factories.
These systems are meant to clean wastewater before it’s discharged. Conventional treatment methods
often struggle to handle the heavy pollutant load, pushing industries toward advanced solutions like
anaerobic and aerobic biological systems. Yet, many factories either don’t have functional ETPs or
don’t run them regularly because of cost, lack of trained staff, or weak enforcement.

The gap between policy and practice is wide. While laws exist, real compliance often doesn’t. And
without consistent monitoring and effective operation of ETPs, the burden falls on rivers, ecosystems,
and people living downstream.

This thesis focuses on wastewater treatment practices in the garment factories of Gazipur, Savar, and
Narayanganj. It examines how wastewater is generated, what’s in it, how ETPs are performing, and
where the system is failing. It aims to connect the technical data with the environmental reality—
because behind every number is a community that depends on clean water.