Crackdown on Brick Kilns, Polythene: Tk 12.3mn Fines realised

Brick kilns in Bangladesh. World Bank

Dhaka, 5 February: Mobile courts were conducted today across various districts to take action against illegal brick kilns. A total of 11 mobile court drives were carried out in Kurigram, Dinajpur, Tangail, Meherpur, Madaripur, Chandpur, Gaibandha, Feni, Bandarban, and Dhamrai in Dhaka district. These operations led to 39 cases, resulting in the collection of fines amounting to 12.3 million taka.

Additionally, 14 brick kilns were demolished to completely shut down their operations, while strict orders were issued to close 14 more brick kilns.

On the same day, under the Air Pollution Control Regulations 2022, mobile courts were conducted in Aftabnagar and Lalbagh of Dhaka for air pollution caused by construction materials. Two drives resulted in six cases and a total fine of 43,000 taka. Several business owners were also warned.

Furthermore, two mobile courts were conducted in Jashore and Netrokona against the production, sale, and distribution of banned polythene. These drives led to two cases, with fines totaling 21,000 taka. Approximately 96 kg of illegal polythene was seized across the country, and shop owners were warned against its production and marketing. – PID Handout