Over 100 residents formed a human chain in Manikganj, demanding closure of an illegal lead-processing factory, alleging toxic emissions are harming public health, crops and the local environment.
Residents formed a human chain and staged a protest demanding the closure of an illegal lead-processing factory in Singair Upazila, raising concerns about environmental pollution and public health risks.
The demonstration took place at around 3:00 pm on Saturday near the Alammora Bridge in Charigram Union of Manikganj District, close to the capital Dhaka. The protest was organized by local residents, with more than a hundred people from Alammora, Charigram and surrounding communities taking part in the human chain and rally.
Participants alleged that an illegal factory near the bridge has been burning used batteries to extract lead, releasing strong acidic fumes that have made daily life difficult for nearby residents. Locals say the odor and smoke have persisted for a long time, creating growing anxiety in the community.
Speakers at the protest warned that toxic chemicals emitted from the facility are affecting the local environment, agriculture and public health. According to residents, crop production has been impacted within a three-kilometre radius of the factory, while many trees and plants have started to dry up. They also reported increasing health concerns, particularly breathing difficulties among children and elderly people.
Locals said the illegal activity has continued for nearly two years despite repeated complaints. They are preparing to submit written applications to the Upazila administration, including the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and local police authorities, as well as other relevant government departments responsible for environmental protection.
Zubayer Ahmed, a resident of Charigram, said the community had requested the factory owner several times to stop the lead-processing operations. “We asked the owner to shut down the toxic activity, but our concerns were ignored,” he said.
Other residents, including Sulaiman, A. Halim and Shah Alam, said the smoke produced during the extraction of lead from used batteries is harmful to people and livestock and is damaging farmland and crops in the surrounding areas. They urged the authorities to investigate the issue and take immediate legal action.
Illegal battery recycling and informal lead processing have increasingly become environmental concerns in parts of the country, according to environmental activists, due to weak enforcement and the risks posed by toxic emissions.
The protesters reiterated their demand for urgent government intervention, calling for the immediate closure of the factory and accountability for those responsible to protect the environment, agriculture and public health.
