A mobile court in Kushtia fined two individuals Tk 50,000 each, for illegally operating a battery recycling factory on the banks of the Padma River in Kushtia.
The operation was carried out by the upazila administration on Thursday in Majgram area under Shilaidah Union of Kumarkhali.
The drive was led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Bijoy Kumar Joarder under the Environmental Protection Act, with support from the Assistant Director (Senior Chemist) of the District Environment Department, Habibul Basar, and local police.
The duo fined are Abu Sayeed, 23, son of Abdur Rashid from Kingkarpur, Gaibandha, and Robin Mia, 25, son of Jinnat Ali from Bathimuri, Manikganj.
Locals reported that the two had been operating the illegal factory on the riverbanks for approximately seven days, with the aid of local influential figures.
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Bijoy Kumar Joarder confirmed the fines at around 8:30pm, stating that the two people were fined for running the illegal operation, and that similar campaigns will continue for public welfare.
Habibul Basar, Assistant Director (Senior Chemist) of the Kushtia Department of Environment, said that breaking open batteries to extract lead, which often contains sulfuric acid, releases harmful chemicals into the air.
These chemicals significantly damage the environment and soil, posing severe risks to public health, he added.