308 Brick Kilns Shut, Tk13.78 Cr Fines; polythene seized

Brick kilns in Bangladesh. World Bank

Dhaka, February 13: Under special directives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Department of Environment (DoE) has taken strict measures to curb air pollution. Between 2 January and 13 February 2025, a total of 442 mobile court operations were conducted across the country, leading to 1,041 cases and fines amounting to BDT 13 crore 78 lakh 22 thousand 500.

During these operations, 199 illegal brick kilns had their chimneys demolished, and operations were completely halted. Additionally, 109 brick kilns were ordered to shut down, 31 kilns had their raw bricks destroyed, and six truckloads of battery smelting equipment were seized from five factories, which were subsequently closed.

Besides, Since November 3, 2024, a total of 328 mobile court operations have been conducted across the country against the production, sale, supply, and marketing of banned polythene. These operations have resulted in fines amounting to Tk 48 lakh 45 thousand 500 being collected from 634  establishments. Additionally, approximately 1lakh 55thousand 417 kg of banned polythene has been seized. Furthermore, utility connections of 11 polythene manufacturing factories have been disconnected, and the factories have been sealed.

On 13 February 2025, a mobile court was conducted in Aftabnagar, Dhaka, against air pollution caused by construction materials. This resulted in five cases and fines totaling BDT 33 thousand, along with warnings issued to several business owners.

On the same day, eight mobile court drives were carried out in Cumilla, Chattogram, Faridpur, Noakhali, and Feni. These operations resulted in 15 cases, fines of BDT 28 lakh, the demolition of nine brick kiln structures, orders to shut down three kilns, and the destruction of approximately 4 lakh raw bricks from two kilns.

In Shariatpur and Gazipur, two mobile court drives were conducted against the illegal production, sale, and distribution of banned polythene. This led to three cases, fines of BDT 2.2 lakh, and the seizure of approximately 12 thousand 950 kg of banned polythene nationwide.

Additionally, business owners were warned about the consequences of illegal polythene trade.

A mobile court drive was also carried out in Noakhali to prevent noise pollution. As a result, four vehicle drivers were fined BDT 14 thousand, and five hydraulic horns were confiscated. Several other drivers were also warned about noise pollution regulations.

The government remains committed to continuing such enforcement actions to curb pollution and protect the environment. – PID Handout