Authorities in Tangail demolished two illegal lead battery recycling plants, citing severe health and environmental risks, as Bangladesh ramps up enforcement against toxic informal industries nationwide to protect vulnerable communities.
Bangladeshi authorities have demolished two illegal lead recycling plants in Tangail district as part of a crackdown on toxic industrial activities that threaten public health and the environment.
The first plant was located in the Sohobatpur area near Elasin Bridge in Bir Solil under Nagarpur Upazila, while the second was in Ishapasha, Deoli Union, Delduar Upazila. Both facilities were reportedly recycling discarded lead-acid batteries using unauthorized and highly hazardous methods.
The operations were led by local Executive Magistrates Deep Bhowmik and Mohammad Mohaiminul Islam in coordination with the Tangail district office of the Department of Environment. Excavators and heavy machinery were used to completely demolish the factories. Bangladesh Police and the Ansar force provided security support.
Authorities warned that informal lead recycling is a major source of environmental contamination and poses serious health risks. Exposure to lead can cause irreversible neurological damage, developmental disorders in children, kidney disease and cardiovascular complications. Children and workers involved in such informal operations are particularly vulnerable.
Officials said Bangladesh is intensifying efforts to curb illegal industrial activity and strengthen environmental governance, emphasizing that continued monitoring and regulatory action are vital to preventing similar hazardous operations in the future.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of youth-led organization YouthNet Global, welcomed the enforcement action, saying, “Illegal lead recycling is a silent public health crisis affecting children, workers and low-income communities. Enforcement is crucial, but long-term solutions require safe recycling systems, public awareness and active community monitoring.”
