Bangladesh authorities demolished an illegal lead processing factory in Narsingdi over toxic emissions, unsafe working conditions and environmental violations, amid growing concern over hazardous informal lead recycling operations nationwide.
Bangladesh authorities on Thursday demolished and shut down an illegally operated lead processing factory in Narsingdi district over allegations of severe environmental pollution, toxic emissions and unsafe working conditions.
The operation was carried out from noon until afternoon by the Department of Environment in the Nimartek area of Bailab village under Chakradha union in Shibpur upazila.
Officials said the factory had been operating without environmental clearance, a licence or government approval while processing and melting lead in hazardous conditions.
The mobile court drive was led by Executive Magistrate Md Rezwan-Ul-Islam. The Department of Environment’s Deputy Director in Narsingdi, Md Badrul Huda, said authorities found the factory operating completely outside environmental compliance standards.
During the raid, officials disconnected electricity to the facility, extinguished active lead-melting furnaces and demolished parts of the factory structure. Machinery, furnaces and materials used for lead processing were also destroyed on site.
Environment officials described the factory’s working areas as filled with thick smoke, excessive heat and intense noise pollution, creating conditions that were difficult even for inspectors to tolerate during the operation.
Authorities warned that fumes released during lead melting could pose serious health risks for workers and nearby communities, particularly through long-term exposure to toxic lead particles and air pollution.
Officials said the owner and factory representatives were absent during the drive, preventing immediate arrests or financial penalties. However, authorities destroyed all production equipment and raw materials to ensure the factory could no longer continue operations.
“Sustained action is urgently needed against illegal lead factories across Bangladesh. These facilities are not only polluting the environment but are also putting workers, children and nearby communities at serious health risk through toxic exposure,” said Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global.
He added that stronger monitoring, stricter enforcement and accountability for factory owners are essential to prevent recurring environmental and public health disasters linked to informal lead processing operations.
The operation was attended by Department of Environment inspectors Samar Krishna Das and Arifa Begum alongside law enforcement personnel and local administration officials.
The latest crackdown comes amid growing scrutiny of illegal lead recycling and processing factories across Bangladesh, where environmental activists and public health experts have repeatedly warned about toxic contamination, unsafe labour conditions and risks to surrounding communities.
