Environmental activists and local leaders have also voiced their concern
Three buffaloes have died after allegedly drinking toxic wastewater released from the DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) Fertilizer Factory in Anwara upazila of Chattogram on Sunday. The estimated market value of the deceased livestock is around BDT 3.5 lakh (approximately USD 3,200), according to local sources.
The incident has sparked concern among local residents and raised questions about the factory’s waste management practices.
According to locals, the buffaloes belonged to a nearby farmer Mohammad Rafique and had been grazing near a canal where the factory’s waste is often released. The animals reportedly drank the contaminated water and fell seriously ill shortly afterward. Despite efforts to save them, all three buffaloes died within hours. Several other buffaloes also fell ill and are currently being treated.
Mohammad Rafique expressed deep grief over the loss and demanded compensation, stating that the animals were a vital source of livelihood for his family. “I have lost everything. These buffaloes were all I had,” he said.
Environmental activists and local leaders have also voiced their concern, urging the authorities to investigate the matter and ensure proper disposal of industrial waste. They emphasized the need for stricter monitoring of factories to prevent further environmental and public health hazards.
Abdul Jalil, General Manager (Administration) of the DAP Fertilizer Factory, said to local media, “It’s not certain that the animals died from consuming DAP wastewater. They could have died from other causes as well. Only a post-mortem report can confirm the exact reason. Also, we don’t produce that much ammonia. The little waste that is released should not be lethal. Still, we don’t want any harm to come to people. If the post-mortem confirms that our factory is responsible, we will provide compensation.”
Local authorities have reportedly begun an inquiry to determine the cause of death and whether the factory’s waste was directly responsible.
