A Department of Environment mobile court fined six illegal brick kilns Tk19.5 lakh in Sirajganj and demolished two, highlighting intensified enforcement against polluting brick production and environmental violations.
A mobile court led by Bangladesh’s Department of Environment (DoE) fined six illegal brick kilns a combined Tk19.5 lakh during an enforcement drive in Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj, authorities said.
Two of the brick kilns were also demolished for producing bricks without authorization during the daylong operation aimed at curbing illegal brick production, a major source of air pollution, deforestation and environmental degradation in the area.
The drive was led by Executive Magistrate Sajjad Zahid Ratul.
During the operation, the owner of Messrs Barna Bricks was fined Tk2 lakh while the owner of Messrs Prottay Bricks was fined Tk3.5 lakh.
Three other kiln owners, Messrs ADB Bricks, Messrs Lamia Bricks and Messrs RFB Bricks, were each fined Tk3 lakh. The owner of Messrs Mama-Bhagne Bricks received the highest penalty of Tk5 lakh.
Assistant Director of the Department of Environment Tuhin Alam, Prosecutor Shahin Alam and members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police and Ansar Battalion were present during the enforcement drive.
Environmental experts say such operations are essential to protect Bangladesh’s fragile ecosystems, particularly in areas like Sirajganj where brick production has increased in recent years.
Authorities say the crackdown reflects Bangladesh’s continuing efforts to enforce environmental regulations and hold polluting industries accountable, a move that aligns with broader global concerns over industrial pollution.
