The Chandpur district administration and the Department of Environment jointly fined two owners of illegal brick kilns a total of 700,000 taka on Tuesday during a mobile court operation.

The fines were imposed in Motlob North Upazila for operating brick kilns without approval, violating the Brick Manufacturing and Kiln Establishment (Control) Act.

The mobile court was presided over by Executive Magistrate Md. Masud Rana of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, with prosecution provided by Shormita Ahmed Lia, an inspector of the Department of Environment.

M/s Matin-Monowar Bricks was fined 500,000 taka, and M/s Torqui Bricks was fined 200,000 taka, with the amounts collected immediately in cash. Officials from both the district administration and the Department of Environment were present during the operation.

During the crackdown, Motlob North police maintained law and order, while the local Fire Service and Civil Defense remained on standby to prevent any potential fire hazards. The mobile court emphasized that operating brick kilns without proper approval not only violates the law but also poses serious environmental and safety risks.

Md. Mizanur Rahman, Assistant Director of the Department of Environment in Chandpur, said such operations would continue in the future to ensure environmental protection and enforce the law.

These actions are crucial for safeguarding the environment and ensuring compliance with regulations. We will continue such initiatives to prevent illegal brick kilns from operating in the district, he added.