A mobile court on Tuesday demolished an illegally operated lead production factory in Bhedarganj Upazila of Shariatpur.
The operation, conducted by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) K.M. Rafsan Rabbi, took place in Mahishkandi area with assistance from the Department of Environment, Fire Service, and local police.
According to the mobile court, a group had long been collecting used batteries illegally in Mahishkandi and extracting lead, which was sold to various companies. The factory caused environmental pollution and reportedly killed livestock due to poisoning.
Although previous administrative actions, including fines and jail terms, were taken, the operators resumed activities at night. The factory was demolished over several hours using an excavator.
Assistant Director of the District Environment Department, Russel Noman, said lead pollution poses severe threats to public health, agriculture, and livestock. AC (Land) K.M. Rafsan Rabbi added that the factory operated without any valid license and that legal action against the landowner is underway.