Bangladesh authorities demolished an illegal lead-processing factory inside Madhupur Sal forest, recovering encroached land and warning that toxic industrial activity could severely harm biodiversity, ecosystems and public health.
Authorities in Bangladesh have demolished an illegal lead processing factory operating inside the Sal forest of Madhupur Upazila in Tangail District, recovering encroached forest land during a joint enforcement drive by a mobile court and the Bangladesh Forest Department.
The Sal forest in the Madhupur National Park region is one of the largest remaining tropical moist deciduous forests in Bangladesh and serves as an important habitat for wildlife as well as a critical ecological buffer. Environmental experts warn that illegal encroachment, industrial activities and deforestation continue to threaten the fragile forest landscape.
The operation was carried out around 4:00 pm on Sunday in the Kalaar Bazar area under Arankhola Union, deep inside the protected Sal forest zone of Madhupur.
Acting on confidential information, authorities launched the joint operation and dismantled the illegally established factory, which had been set up inside the forest to process lead, a heavy metal known for its severe environmental and health risks.
During the drive, approximately 15 decimals of forest land, around 0.06 hectares, were recovered from illegal occupation. After clearing the site, the Forest Department initiated reforestation efforts by planting saplings of native hill species on the reclaimed land.
The operation was led by Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Naeem Uddin. Officials from the Tangail Forest Department also took part, including Assistant Conservator of Forests (North) Rana Deb along with forest range officers and staff. A team from Bangladesh Police’s Madhupur Police Station provided security support during the drive.
Rana Deb, Assistant Conservator of Forests (North) at the Bangladesh Forest Department, warned that the presence of a heavy metal processing facility in the forest could have caused severe environmental damage.
“If such a factory continues to operate in the forest, toxic emissions and waste could seriously harm the surrounding ecosystem and biodiversity,” he said. “It would also pose significant risks to public health and wildlife in the area.”
Environmental advocates welcomed the swift intervention but emphasized the need for stronger monitoring to prevent future encroachment.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said protecting forests is critical not only for biodiversity but also for climate resilience.
“Forests like Madhupur are vital ecological lifelines for Bangladesh. Illegal industrial activities inside protected forests threaten biodiversity, pollute ecosystems and undermine climate resilience. Authorities must ensure stronger monitoring and accountability to prevent such violations in the future,” he concluded.
