Executive Magistrate Mashruba Ferdowsi, who operated the drive, said the drive was conducted following a court order.

Also read:3 illegal brick kilns fined in Kishoreganj

Earlier, the brick kilns were fined and a case was filed. Then the court passed an order to demolish those, she said.

The brick kilns were operating without clearance from the Department of Environment, she added.

Also read 4 Keraniganj brick kilns fined, over 200 demolished

A research report by the DoE and the World Bank published in March ,2019 on the sources of air pollution in Bangladesh identified three main sources –brick kilns, fumes of vehicles and dust from construction sites.

“Brick kilns are responsible for 58 percent air pollution in the capital. Plans have been taken to shut [traditional] kilns currently in operation. We’re working to produce eco-friendly bricks,” Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin had told UNB.

Also read:A hazard to life: 30 brick kilns in just one village

He said the government plans to stop burning bricks at kilns by 2025 and use block bricks to construct buildings under government projects.

Also read:Illegal brick kilns still continue to thrive in Gazipur

Kiln owners have already been directed to produce 10 percent block bricks, the minister said, adding that it will be increased to 100 percent over time and the use of block bricks will gradually be made mandatory in private projects, too.

In a series of directives in January, 2020, the High Court had asked DoE to shut down illegal brick kilns within two months.

Also read:5 brick kilns fined Tk8 lakh in Sylhet

The DoE has been conducting drives against the illegal brick kilns for months now and slapping fines.