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.”

Nearly Tk 20 crore fines were imposed and 462 brick kilns were shut down in the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change’s nationwide anti-pollution drives. The nationwide initiative was aimed at tackling pollution through mobile court drives, which were carried out by the Department of Environment from January 2 to March 9, according to a press release on Monday. 14 illegal brick kilns demolished in Savar, Ashulia, and Dhamrai A total of 598 mobile court operations were conducted during this period, it said. The drives focused on addressing a range of pollution-related issues, including excessive black smoke from vehicles, illegal polluting brick kilns, steel mills, noise pollution, hazardous waste disposal, lead/battery recycling factories, wetland encroachment, tire pyrolysis plants, charcoal factories, and air pollution caused by construction materials left in open spaces. Throughout these operations, 1,363 cases were filed, resulting in fines amounting to Tk 19.79 crore. As part of the crackdown on illegal brick kilns, 305 brick kiln chimneys were demolished, leading to the complete shutdown of these operations. Orders were issued for the closure of 157 additional brick kilns, while 60 kilns had their raw bricks destroyed. In another significant move, six trucks containing lead/battery smelting equipment were seized from five factories, which were subsequently shut down, the release said. Four mobile court drives were conducted in various areas of Dhaka, including Hatirjheel, Moghbazar, Adabor, Aftabnagar, Badda, and Dhanmondi, under the Air Pollution Control Rules 2022 on Sunday. These drives resulted in 11 cases and fines amounting to Tk 60,000. Business owners were issued warnings, and an immediate removal of construction materials was ordered. In the same vein, a mobile court drive was conducted in Narayanganj against a ready-mix factory under the Solid Waste Management Rules 2021. Three cases were filed, and a fine of Tk 50,000 was collected. HC orders dismantling of illegal brick kilns nationwide, report due by March 17 Moreover, 20 additional mobile court drives took place across several districts, including Panchagarh, Kurigram, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Jhenaidah, Bhola, Sirajganj, Meherpur, Moulvibazar, Pirojpur, Gaibandha, Shariatpur, Barguna, Thakurgaon, Bogura, and Sherpur. These drives resulted in 19 cases and fines totaling Tk 13.2 lakh. The operations led to the shutdown of 22 brick kilns, including their demolition and the extinguishing of fires, while three more kilns were ordered to close, added the release. DoE said these efforts would continue in the future, as part of the ongoing campaign to combat pollution across the country.

Eight brick kilns were fined Tk 12 lakh during a joint operation on Wednesday.Kushtia district administration and the Department of Environment conducted the joint operation across Kushtia Sadar and Kumarkhali upazilas, targeting kilns operating without proper authorisation or compliance with environmental regulations.Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rifatul Islam and Senior Chemist Habibul Basar from the Kushtia Department of Environment led the operation. Illegal brick kilns fined Tk 1.24 crore, 11 shut down, 15 ordered closedDuring the operation, officials not only collected fines but also issued strict instructions to halt all activities at the brick kilns. The largest fines were imposed on NSR Bricks (Tk 3 lakh), AFNR Bricks (Tk 2.5 lakh), Five Star (Tk 2 lakh), and HNR Bricks (Tk 2 lakh) in Kushtia Sadar’s Lakshmipur and Horinarayanpur areas.Meanwhile, in Kumarkhali upazila, four other brick kilns were fined Tk 2.5 lakh collectively. Kumarkhali Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) SM Mikail Islam said that the penalties were determined under the Brick Manufacturing Act, taking into account the scale of the kilns’ operations. HC orders immediate action to halt illegal brick kilns in CHTRifatul Islam said that stricter legal action would be taken if the kilns resume their activities in violation of the law.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Thursday said a task force will be formed very soon and certain areas will be declared as "no brickfield zones" in a bid to control air pollution. “The government is making every effort to control air pollution. As part of this initiative, a task force will be formed very soon that will work until the next monsoon. Besides, certain areas are set to be declared as ‘No Brickfield Zones’ (to control air pollution),” she said while speaking at an inter-ministerial meeting at the Local Government Division conference room at the Secretariat. Govt committed to ensuring cost-effective, high-quality energy: Rizwana The meeting focused on strategies to combat air pollution in Dhaka and surrounding areas during the dry season. Recognising that air pollution cannot be resolved overnight, the meeting encouraged people to wear masks. Rizwana said old vehicles will be removed from the streets within the next six months, and police have already been instructed to restrict open trucks from entering the capital. “Sources of air pollution are being identified, and measures are being implemented. Strict steps are being taken to control dust from construction work, emissions from brick kilns, and vehicle exhaust,” she said. Final list of rivers to be published on Pahela Baishakh: Adviser Rizwana The adviser emphasised the importance of raising public awareness, enforcing laws, and enhancing monitoring systems to address the issue effectively. She instructed the authorities concerned to spray water to reduce dust during construction, cover construction materials, and use protective barriers. She stressed the need for regular use of vacuum trucks for cleaning roads, prompt road repairs, planting grass along roadsides, ensuring designated waste disposal areas, and banning the burning of waste. At the meeting, LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said initiatives will be taken to recover canals and develop open spaces as playgrounds. ‘Resolve conflicts through dialogue with govt, avoid destructive activities that can harm national interest’: Adviser Rizwana  He put emphasis on integrated efforts to improve the country’s environmental quality. The meeting decided that effective laws will be implemented to control pollution, and regular monitoring will be carried out. All necessary steps will be taken, including regular spraying of water to control dust.

For centuries, brick kilns, characterised by fiery chimneys and billowing smoke, have played a key role in the construction industry. Despite their contribution in providing essential building materials, their operations entail harmful impacts on human health, biodiversity and environment.  What is a Brick Kiln? A brick kiln is a specialised facility used in the production of bricks, fundamental building blocks for construction. These kilns play a vital role in shaping the urban landscape. The process involves heating clay or other materials in furnaces to create bricks and contributes to the growth of infrastructure. However, the traditional methods employed in brick kilns can have environmental and health consequences, making it imperative to explore sustainable alternatives and technologies. Impacts of Brick Kiln on Health Particulate Matter Emissions Brick kilns pose a major health risk due to the emission of particulate matter, including pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Inhaling these pollutants can irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure may contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Read more: 9 illegal brick kilns shut down, fined Tk 47 lakh in Sirajganj Respiratory Issues  Prolonged exposure to emissions from brick kilns can lead to a range of respiratory problems. From workers within the kilns to residents in nearby communities, the inhalation of pollutants can result in asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. Occupational Health Risks Workers directly involved in brick kiln operations face occupational health risks due to exposure to high temperatures, dust, and pollutants. Adequate safety measures and protective equipment are crucial to mitigating these risks. Cardiovascular Problems  Brick kiln fumes, laden with pollutants, can obstruct arteries, elevate blood pressure, and disturb heart rhythms. These adverse effects heighten the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, underlining the severe cardiovascular risks associated with exposure.  Read more: 4 brick kilns shut down for polluting air in South Keraniganj Skin Problems  Dust and irritants emanating from brick kilns inflict skin torment on workers, causing rashes, itching, and burns. The daily grind leaves exposed skin raw, rendering workers vulnerable and uncomfortable in their work environment.  Cancer  Inhaling brick kiln fumes conceal invisible dangers, harbouring carcinogens that escalate cancer risks over time. Exposed workers face heightened threats of lung, skin, and other cancers, emphasising the risks associated with prolonged exposure.

Nine illegal brick kilns were shut down and fined Tk 47 lakh on Thursday in Sirajganj’s Raiganj and Tarash upazilas. These brick kilns did not have any clearance from the Department of Environment (DoE) but were operating illegally for a long time without following government regulations, said Abdul Ghafur, assistant director of the district environment department. Man jailed for life for killing wife in Sirajganj A mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Faizunnessa Akter conducted a drive in the district on Thursday and fined one brick kiln in Tarash and eight more in Raiganj upazila. The kilns were also demolished by the mobile court. 3 stabbed in Sirajganj for obstructing road construction work on their land Officials of the Department of Environment, along with Police and Ansar members were present during the operation. Meanwhile in Dhaka, the Department of Environment shut down four more illegal brick kilns as they were polluting air at Keraniganj in Dhaka. Is There Any Alternative to Brick Kilns? A total of Tk 64 lakhs in fines was also slapped on the four brick kilns in a mobile court drive run jointly by the head office and Dhaka office of the Department of Environment (DoE) on Thursday.

The Department of Environment has shut down the operations of four illegal brick kilns as they were polluting air at Keraniganj in Dhaka. A total of Tk 64 lakhs was also slapped on the four brick kilns in a mobile court drive run jointly by the head office and Dhaka office of the Department of Environment (DoE) on Thursday. Newlywed couple electrocuted in Keraniganj  The four brick kilns are Noor Bricks, Delwar Traders and Vai Vai Bricks at Brahmangaon in South Keraniganj, and Mousumi Bricks Manufacturer at Jajira, in South Keraniganj. Among them, the chimney of Noor Brick was razed down completely and the fined Tk 4 lakh, while operation of three other bricks were shut down and each was fined Tk 20 lakh. DoE Executive Magistrate Mohammad Masud Hasan Patwary led the mobile court, said a press release. Is There Any Alternative to Brick Kilns?

Around 60 percent of the brick kilns in the country are being operated illegally without environmental clearance.   Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Shahab Uddin gave this information on Tuesday in response to a tabled question of ruling party lawmaker Mamunur Rashid Kiran in Parliament. Read more: Govt may provide loans for producing eco-friendly bricks: Environment Minister The minister said that the total number of brick kilns in the country (June 2022) is 7881. Of these, 3,248 are being operated legally.  But 4,633 brick kilns are operating without environmental clearance. The minister said 41.2 percent of the brick kilns are legal and 58.8 percent are illegal. The minister said that from 2019 to 2022, some 1,772 drives were conducted and some of Tk 77.62 crore was collected from 3,37 brick kilns.  Read more: DCs asked to take steps against brick kilns Besides,  907 brick kilns were shut and 80 people were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. In response to the question of ruling party MP M Abdul Latif of the government party, the minister said that about 30,000 tonnes solid wastes are generated in the cities of Bangladesh every day.  In 2025, the quantity of daily waste will increase to 47,000 tonnes. The minister said that about 10 percent of  the solid waste is plastic.

The High Court on Monday directed the government to stop operations of all illegal brick kilns in four districts -- Bogura, Tangail, Lalmonirhat, and Thakurgaon. The HC bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Md Shohrowardi came up with the order following a writ petition. The HC bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Md Shohrowardi directed the Department of Environment (DoE) to implement this order and submit a report within the next seven days. Besides, it has asked to make a complete list of all illegal brick kilns in the country and submit the list within the next 2 weeks, said Manzil Morshed, president of Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB). The court also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain in four weeks why their inaction to shut down the illegal brick kilns in four districts under the Brick Kilns Control Act, 2013 should not be declared illegal. Read more: HC asks for list of closed brick kilns around Dhaka Despite the existence of provisions like no brick kiln can be set up without a license, they continue to proliferate throughout the country The writ was filed on November 6 following a report published in a daily newspaper in this regard. Read more: 5 brick kiln workers killed by lightning strike in Rangpur  

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.