United News of Bangladesh

Unauthorised brick kilns are rapidly expanding in remote areas of Khulna division, posing a serious threat to both the environment and public health. Although the Department of Environment (DoE) permits brick kilns only on the condition that they do not burn wood, the owners of such kilns appear to disregard these restrictions. Out of the 1,002 brick kilns across the division’s 10 districts, 790 are operating without the mandatory approval from the DoE. On 24 February, the High Court ordered the removal of all illegal brick kilns across the country. As per the directive, kiln owners were required to submit valid documents to the respective Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) office by 1 March. However, the majority failed to comply, demonstrating blatant disregard for the law. Defying warnings, many brick kilns in various upazilas of Khulna continue to burn wood instead of coal, leading to severe air pollution. Under existing laws, brick kilns cannot be established near residential, protected, or commercial areas, nor in proximity to municipal towns, educational institutions, or agricultural land. In Rupsha Upazila, the EBM Bricks kiln, located just 400 metres from Alipur Degree College, remains operational despite receiving a warning letter from the DoE. Although an operation was conducted, the kiln owner has yet to comply. Sundarbans at stake as erosion shrinks forest land On 10 February, a mobile court, in collaboration with the DoE, fined the owners of nine illegal kilns in Rupsha Upazila a total of Tk 22 lakh. Following the High Court’s directive, on 3 March, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Aprotith Kumar Chakraborty ordered the owners of 22 brick kilns in the upazila to cease operations immediately. In Dumuria Upazila, just beyond Khornia Bazar, a large brick kiln called M/s Nurjahan Bricks is allegedly using a mixture of low-grade coal and wood powder in traditional brick-burning methods. Former land minister Narayan Chandra Chanda was previously the president of the Khulna Brick Kiln Owners Association. However, his kiln has remained closed since 5 August, following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a mass uprising. There had been allegations of inaction by the authorities against his brick kiln. In Atalia Union of Dumuria, a brick kiln called Setu Bricks and Industries was established near the Hari River by former upazila chairman Ejaz Ahmed. His close ties with local ministers had reportedly deterred any action against his operations. In Koyra Upazila, ABM Brick Kiln is located within 500 metres of a health complex and an educational institution. Other upazilas, such as Paikgachha, also host illegal brick kilns on agricultural land, including ARB Bricks, Jamuna Bricks, and SKB Bricks. Environmental experts warn that pollution caused by brick kilns poses a significant threat to human health. The use of wood as fuel violates the kiln establishment law, while the burning of low-quality coal releases harmful particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides, and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating environmental degradation and affecting agriculture. Dengue catastrophe looms as Dhaka battles worst mosquito menace Dr Abdullah Harun Chowdhury, a professor at Khulna University’s Environmental Science Department, said the increase in carbon emissions from these kilns is reducing oxygen levels in the air, making it hazardous to human health. According to the Department of Environment’s data, Khulna Division is home to 1,200 brick kilns, 790 of which lack DoE approval. The highest number of illegal kilns is found in Kushtia district, where 184 kilns operate, 163 of them unapproved. In Khulna district alone, there are 152 kilns, the majority of which lack the necessary permits. Md Sadikul Islam, acting director of the DoE, said the government is taking a stringent stance against illegal brick kilns. He stated that legal action will be taken against anyone found operating unapproved kilns. Experts suggest that merely shutting down these kilns will not resolve the problem. They advocate for the introduction of new brick-making methods and the adoption of concrete block production to reduce environmental impact. In January, a DoE-led operation resulted in the partial demolition of 19 kilns, with 12 more being completely dismantled. Several others were shut down and fined. On the frontline of disaster-preparedness, Koyra must be given the tools to fight Advocate Babul Howlader, a national council member of the Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA), said, “We have been protesting against illegal brick kilns for years, but our efforts have often been in vain. Recently, the government has taken a stricter approach, which is commendable. However, enforcement at the field level remains lax. Authorities must take stronger action and ensure these measures are effectively implemented.”

The High Court on Wednesday summoned eight people including divisional commissioners of Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna to appear before it by February 12 and explain their inaction to stop illegal brick kilns and the use of firewood in brick kilns. Besides, the court also summoned the deputy commissioners of Nilphamari, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Upazila Nirbahi Officers(UNO) of Savar and Dhamrai upazilas. The HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury passed the order after hearing a petition. High Court rejects ex-NBR Official Matiur’s writ petition to travel abroad Advocate Manzill Murshid stood for the petitioner while deputy attorney general Tanim Khan represented the state. A writ petition was filed on behalf of the Human Rights Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) seeking operation of illegal brick kilns in 2022, said Advocate Manzill Murshid. On November 13, 2022, the court ordered stopping operation of all illegal brick kilns. As the divisional commissioners did not take any effective steps to stop operation of illegal brick kilns, the court on November 28 asked the divisional commissioners to stop operation of all unauthorised brick kilns. Immunity provision in quick rental act illegal: High Court As the authorities concerned failed to take effective measures in this regard, the court summoned them, he said.  

Illegal brick kilns continue to proliferate across Jashore, with 114 out of 144 operating without the requisite environmental clearance or licences from the district administration, in flagrant violation of the law. A report from the Department of Environment (DoE) reveals that none of the brick kilns in the district fully comply with legal requirements. Of the total, only 30 kilns employing the zigzag method meet partial standards, while the remaining 114 blatantly disregard regulations. Despite warnings and legal amendments aimed at curbing unauthorised operations, illegal kilns remain rampant, contributing to significant environmental damage and posing a severe threat to public health. Law and Violations The Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kiln Establishment (Control) Act, amended in 2013 and again in 2019, mandates licensing for all brick kilns. The law prohibits brick production within one kilometre of residential areas, forests, wetlands, agricultural land, or sensitive establishments such as schools and hospitals. Besides, traditional kilns with 120-foot chimneys are no longer permitted, with all operators required to adopt the environmentally safer zigzag method. Violations of the law are punishable by up to two years of imprisonment and fines of up to Tk 20 lakh. Read: 4 acres of forestland recovered in Gazipur, 7 illegal brick kilns demolished in Tangail But field investigations reveal rampant disregard for these provisions. Kilns have been found as close as 20 yards to residential homes and within 100 yards of densely populated villages. Many have been established on agricultural land, destroying fertile soil and jeopardising livelihoods. Sources indicate that 110 of these kilns are located within one kilometre of educational institutions, breaching regulations and exposing vulnerable populations to harmful emissions. Enforcement Challenges Despite the severity of the violations, law enforcement has been sporadic. Several years ago, the DoE’s Jashore office submitted a report to its headquarters in Dhaka, recommending action against 33 illegal kilns. But most continue to operate with impunity. To address the issue, the DoE has recently intensified its monitoring and enforcement activities. On 27 December last year and 8 January this year, mobile courts conducted drives against 18 kilns, imposing fines and partially demolishing some structures. Read more: Illegal brick kilns fined Tk 1.24 crore, 11 shut down, 15 ordered closed Emdadul Haque, Deputy Director of the DoE in Jashore, vowed tougher action against violators. “No irregularities will be tolerated. Immediate steps will be taken to ensure all kilns comply with the law,” he said. Government Response The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has pledged to dismantle all kilns operating in violation of environmental regulations. Additionally, the 30 kilns currently classified as legal will undergo further scrutiny to ensure full compliance with the law. While recent enforcement measures mark a step forward, environmental advocates argue that sustained action is necessary to tackle the deep-rooted problem of illegal brick kiln operations in Jashore. Without consistent oversight, they warn, the environmental and public health risks posed by these kilns will persist.

The deputy commissioners (DCs) of 64 districts have been requested to take legal steps against illegal brick kilns that pollute the environment and to stop the use of wood as fuel in the brickfields. Farhina Ahmed, secretary to the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry called on the DCs to do so at a meeting with them organised by the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry, held at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Read more: Remove illegal brick kilns in 4 districts: HC The ministry organised the meeting in an effort to take steps to control the pollution caused by the illegal brick kilns and stop use of plastic and polythene. Farhina Ahmed, secretary to the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry, additional secretaries Sanjay Kumar Bhoumik and Mizanur Rahman, Directorate General of the Department of Environment Abdul Hamid and other high officials of the ministry were present at the meeting. The environment secretary said use of agricultural land and destruction of agricultural land should be stopped to ensure food security. She also directed the director general of the Department of Environment to take necessary steps to ensure the use of 100 percent environment-friendly block bricks in all government works by the year 2025 as per the target fixed by the government.  Read more: Brick kilns threaten environment & cause health hazards in south-western Bangladesh In order to involve all the stakeholders to prevent various types of pollution including brick kilns, she instructed the DoE to organise awareness meetings in all the districts of the country on an urgent basis. In the meeting, it was decided to strengthen the regular enforcement and mobile court drives conducted by the DoE and the district administration to stop the production and use of polythene shopping bags and the marketing of the wrappers which have been banned by the government.  It was decided to take necessary initiatives to implement the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2021 for the proper management of solid waste. In addition, instructions were given to implement the three-year action plan to stop the use of single-use plastic in 40 upazilas of 12 districts of the coastal region on an urgent basis. During the meeting, the officials of the ministry and the deputy commissioners exchanged their views on taking effective measures to stop illegal brick kilns and use of plastic and polythene.  They were also requested to update the relevant laws and regulations and solve some of the existing problems. 

The High Court on Wednesday summoned deputy commissioners of five districts and Directorate General of Department of Environment (DoE) to appear before it on May 17 for not fully complying with its order to raze  illegal brick kilns in Dhaka and its adjacent districts to check air pollution .  The HC bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Mohi Uddin Shamim passed the order after hearing a contempt of court petition. Also read:HC asks govt to pull down 130 illegal brick kilns in CHT The deputy commissioners summoned are DCs of Dhaka, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Manikganj and Gazipur districts. Advocate Manzil Murshid stood for the writ petitioner while deputy attorney general Kazi Mainul Hasan and Advocate Amatul Karim represented the state and the DoE respectively. Manzil Murshid said the High Court passed a number of orders to prevent air pollution in Dhaka. It also sought a list of illegal brick kilns in Dhaka and its adjacent districts, he said adding 318 brick kilns were found unregistered and the HC asked the authorities concerned to stop operation of those brick kilns. Recently, a journalist in an investigative report said many brick kilns in Savar are still continuing their operation but  the DCs said they had taken steps to stop their operation, said Manzil. Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh drew the attention of the court in this regard and filed a writ petition on January 21, 2019. Also read:Raze all illegal brick kilns in Dhaka & adjoining districts in 15 days: HC On January 13, 2020, the High Court issued a nine-point order and asked the authorities concerned to implement those. After taking steps in February, last year, the air pollution reduced remarkably but recently, Dhaka against ranked first in the  list of Air Pollution chart of Air Quality Index.  Later, the Human Rights organisation filed a supplementary petition to the High Court for stopping operation of the illegal brick kilns.

Farmers at Dandapal union in Debiganj upazila of Panchagarh are worried as their Paddy crop and variety of fruits including banana, mango, jackfruit, litchi and betel nut have been severely damaged due to toxic smoke from nearby brick kilns. The farmers have already informed the officials of the agriculture department several times about the issue but no steps were taken. Eventually, the aggrieved farmers were forced to carry out a human chain program in the brickfield area demanding to remove brick kilns from the middle of a vast tract of cropland. They complained that it was damaging crops every year. Read: Mild heat wave sweeps over four districts The paddy planted on 300 bighas of land near Dhanmondol area of the union have dried out and turned sterile under the impact of smoke emitted from Shaheen Bricks Fields, said local growers. The leaves of banana, mango, jackfruit, litchi and betel nut trees had turned brownish due to toxic smoke from the brick kilns, said farmers of the area. Not only that, the health of the common people in the area, including the students of the school and college in the vicinity of the brickfield is at risk.

The environment and the biodiversity in the south-western region of the country face damage and pollution due to illegal brick kilns built on the locality as well as along the river banks. In addition, people in the region are at serious health risk from the smoke, gas and dust emitted from these brick kilns, according to experts. Besides, the Rupsha River is shrinking; its direction is changing. Although these brick kilns are operated freely, the higher authorities are silent. Read: HC asks govt to pull down 130 illegal brick kilns in CHT However, these illegal kilns were not demolished even though fines were imposed through mobile courts from time to time. According to the locals, they are suffering from variouscdiseases such as cold, cough and respiratory problem due to the toxic smoke of the brick kiln near their house. The yields from the trees and lands are also declining. According to the list of the Department of Environment (DoE), there are 63 legal brickfields in Rupsha, 20 in Dumuria, five in Batiaghata, nine in Terkhada and three in Dighalia. There are allegations that the brick kilns are enlisted by the DoE even after being built in a densely populated area within 200 meters from the educational institutions. Besides, UNB correspondent came to know that more than 50 brick kilns have been illegally built in Paikgacha, Fultala and Koira including those five upazilas. There are allegations that the local administration is not playing a significant role in demolishing those even after they have been removed from the list of the DoE. Bricks are being burnt in 14 kilns including ARB Bricks, Jamuna Bricks, SKB Bricks at Paikgacha upazila. None of these are listed on the DoE list and are being operated in the densely populated areas and on agricultural lands. But, the upazila administration said seven kilns have licenses in this upazila. Meanwhile, six brick kiln owners in this upazila were fined Tk 2,40,000 this year. There are several kilns including Fultala Super Bricks, JB Bricks, United Bricks, Prince Bricks, Ekota Bricks, Khanjahan Ali Bricks. Most of the brick kilns at Rupsha, Dumuria and Terkhada have been built on the bank of the river. The ABM brick kiln is built in 500 meters of the densely populated area that includes Koira Upazila Health Complex and educational institutions. On the other hand, according to Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) sources, 50 brick kilns have been built by occupying the two banks of Bhadra, Hari, Shailmari, Atai and Atharobeki rivers of Khulna. Of these, 18 kilns are in Rupsha upazila, 18 in Dumuria, 11 in Terkhada and three in Dighalia. Locals alleged the kiln owners took possession of the river bank as well as the surrounding lands of the government. Bricks are being made at those kilns by cutting the soil of the sandbars of the area, forcing the river to change its direction. Although the list of these illegal kilns has been compiled, the eviction process has come to a halt. Meanwhile, the High Court ordered the eviction of 14 brick kilns built on the bank of the Bhadra and Hari rivers in Dumuria upazila in 60 days. Read: Raze all illegal brick kilns in Dhaka & adjoining districts in 15 days: HC On December 14, a HC bench of Justice Justice Justice Md. Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Md. Kamrul Hossain Mollah passed the order following a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB). Regarding the implementation of the court order, Dumuria Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Abdul Wadud said, "We have demarcated the governmental land of the river with red flags." The kiln owners were also asked not to operate brick kilns within that area. Besides, a fine of Tk 3.5 lakh has been imposed on those four kilns this year. Md. Maruf Billah, inspector of the DoE, said that the list of legal brick kilns has been published on the website. The work of conducting mobile courts is going on to demolish the illegal ones. In this regard, Advocate Babul Hawlader, Coordinator of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Khulna, said that the residents, especially the children and the elderly people, here are suffering from respiratory and heart problems due to harmful smokes from the illegal brick kilns. Crops and plants are being destroyed due to the smoke. The fish in the river are being destroyed. "Above all, air pollution has a negative impact on the entire ecosystem, including humans," he added. Ashraful Alam, executive engineer of the BWDB in Khulna, said a list of illegal occupants had already been compiled and sent to the deputy commissioner's office. If they do not demolish the kilns themselves, eviction activities will be conducted with the help of the district administration. "Action will be taken against all illegal occupants in phases. And, work will be done to evict the BIW occupants," the official warned.

The High Court on Monday asked the government to raze 130 unregistered brick kilns and related establishments in three hill districts of Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari to curb air pollution. The order was passed by the HC bench of Justice JBM Hassan and Justice Fatema Najib responding to a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh, a rights group. The bench also asked the deputy commissioners of the hill districts to take legal action against the owners of the illegal brick kilns there and submit a progress report on it within six weeks. Also read: Raze all illegal brick kilns in Dhaka & adjoining districts in 15 days: HC Advocate Manzill Murshid stood for the petitioner while Deputy Attorney General Tushar Kanti Roy represented the state. According to Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kiln Establishment (Control) Act, 2013, no brick kiln without a license can operate in the country and the owners can be jailed for two years for violating the law. Despite the law many run unauthorized brick kilns across the country, polluting environment. The deputy commissioners concerned of the three hill districts recently submited separate reports regarding the illegal brick kilns. Also read: 319 illegal brick kilns in Dhaka, 4 surrounding districts, DoE DG reports to HC According to the reports, there are 25 illegal brick kilns in Rangamati, 35 in Khagrachhari and 70 in Bandarban. The local administration has closed down 64 brick kilns in the hilly districts.

The High Court on Tuesday ordered the demolition of all illegal brick kilns in Dhaka and four other neighbouring districts within 15 days. The court asked the deputy commissioners of Dhaka, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Manikganj and Gazipur as well as the director general of the Department of Environment (DoE) to submit an action taken report. Read:319 illegal brick kilns in Dhaka, 4 surrounding districts, DoE DG reports to HC A division bench of justices Md Ashfaqul Islam and Md Iqbal Kabir passed the order in the wake of a plea by environmental NGO Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) seeking directions on the shutting of illegal brick kilns. “There is no more chance to remain ignorant as environmental pollution has increased at an alarming rate," the judges observed. The court also questioned the department's efforts in curbing pollution. On February 16, the department told the court that a total of 319 illegal brick kilns were running in Dhaka and the four neighbouring districts, while 95 had been closed on the orders of mobile courts. Read: HC seeks lists of illegal brick kilns in Dhaka, 4 other districts Petitioner’s lawyer Manzil Murshid said that after the High Court ordered the closure of all illegal brick kilns on November 26, 2020, their owners challenged the order. "But the appellate division rejected the appeal." Following a slew of recent media reports on Dhaka’s deteriorating air quality,  the green NGO submitted a supplementary petition.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Sunday upheld the High Court order asking the authorities  concerned to shut down all illegal brick kilns in Chattogram.