Authorities sealed an illegal lead-acid battery recycling factory in Chapainawabganj after finding hazardous battery-burning operations polluting the environment, fining the owner Tk 100,000 and disconnecting the facility’s electricity connection.
A mobile court in Chapainawabganj fined a man Tk 100,000 on Wednesday for illegally burning used batteries to extract lead and acid, officials said.
The drive was conducted at Paoli Mor in Jhilim Union under Chapainawabganj Sadar upazila following a tip-off.
Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Ekramul Haque Nahid led the operation.
During the drive, officials found evidence of an unauthorised factory processing old batteries in an environmentally hazardous manner.
According to the mobile court, toxic substances released from the battery-burning process were polluting the surrounding area and posing serious risks to public health and the environment.
Factory owner Abul Kashem was fined Tk 100,000 for operating the facility without approval from the relevant authorities.
The factory’s electricity connection was disconnected and the premises were sealed during the operation.
Members of Chapainawabganj Sadar Model Police Station, local land officials and representatives of Jhilim Union Parishad assisted in the drive.
Executive Magistrate Ekramul Haque Nahid said similar operations against environmentally harmful activities would continue in the future.
Reacting to the incident, Sohanur Rahman said illegal lead extraction from used batteries is a major environmental and public health threat in Bangladesh.
“Burning used batteries releases highly toxic pollutants into the air, soil and water, affecting nearby communities, especially children and workers exposed to lead contamination. Strong enforcement and long-term monitoring are essential to stop such hazardous practices,” he said.
He also urged authorities to strengthen environmental monitoring and promote safe recycling systems to prevent further pollution and health risks.
