Bangladesh’s environment department sealed five illegal brick kilns in Jhalakathi, fined Tk1.1 million, demolished structures and pledged sustained enforcement to curb air pollution and protect public health nationwide during the season.
The Department of Environment (DoE) of Bangladesh has conducted a day-long mobile court drive in Nalchity upazila of Jhalakathi district over allegations of environmental pollution and illegal operations, imposing fines of Tk1.1 million on five brick kilns.
The operation was carried out on Thursday from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm, targeting brick kilns operating in clear violation of environmental laws and licensing requirements. Unregulated brick kilns are a major source of air pollution in Bangladesh, contributing to rising health risks, agricultural damage and environmental degradation, particularly during the dry season.
During the drive, two illegally constructed brick kilns were partially demolished, including their sawmills, while a large quantity of raw bricks was destroyed. With assistance from the Fire Service, water was poured into the furnaces to extinguish burning fires at the kilns, effectively bringing operations to a halt. All five brick kilns were sealed following the enforcement action.
The mobile court was led by Executive Magistrate Lovely Yasmin of the DoE’s Barishal Divisional Office, in the presence of Divisional Director Mujahidul Islam and Assistant Director of the Jhalakathi District Office Anjuman Nesha.
The fines imposed included Tk100,000 on Tilak Bricks, Tk500,000 on Riyaz-1 Bricks, Tk300,000 on MMR Bricks, Tk100,000 on SRB Bricks and Tk100,000 on Riyaz-2 Bricks.
DoE Divisional Director Mujahidul Islam said the government remains committed to protecting the environment and public health. He said mobile court drives against illegal brick kilns and other pollution-causing activities will continue regularly across the country as part of broader efforts to improve air quality and enforce environmental compliance.
Bangladesh has intensified enforcement against unregulated brick kilns in recent years, as authorities seek to curb emissions, protect farmlands and waterways and ensure sustainable development in line with national environmental goals.
