Visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh for the SATREPS Project “Reducing AMR Risks in Water Environments” (March 1–4, 2026)

Three researchers from the Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University — Professor Kozo Watanabe, Professor Tatsuya Kunisue, and Associate Professor Rumi Tanoue — visited Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 1 to 4, 2026 as part of the SATREPS project aimed at reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risks in Dhaka. It is noteworthy that the Record of Discussions (R/D) for the SATREPS project was signed on February 25, 2026, and full project activities are expected to commence in April 2026 for a period of five years.

The team visited Daiki Axis Bangladesh, a company expanding its wastewater treatment business, including septic tank systems, across South Asia. Discussions were held regarding potential collaborative research under this project, and the delegation toured hospital wastewater treatment facilities installed by the company. Given that Daiki Axis is headquartered in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture — the same city as Ehime University — a strong and fruitful partnership is highly anticipated going forward.

At the University of Dhaka, the team toured several facilities where research equipment will be delivered under the SATREPS project to establish the Dhaka Water Environment Research Center. The delegation also paid courtesy visits to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka and the Head of the Department of Fisheries. In addition, meetings were held with multiple local companies that may serve as potential suppliers of research instruments and consumables for the project.

​Furthermore, the team conducted interviews with prospective candidates who may enroll as doctoral students at Ehime University, and held working meetings with University of Dhaka researchers who will participate in the SATREPS project. The delegation also conducted a field inspection of the Buriganga River, one of the key research sites designated under the project.