DoE conducts drive against black smoke emission, air pollution
DHAKA, Aug 26, 2025 (BSS) – The Department of Environment (DoE) has conducted a series of mobile court drives across the country including the capital city as part of a nationwide campaign to curb air pollution caused by vehicular emissions and unregulated construction activities.
Today, the DoE’s Chattogram Regional Office realised a total of Tk 41.77 lakh as fine from 34 individuals and organizations for violating provisions under Section 7 of the Bangladesh Environment Protection Act, 1995 (amended 2010), for causing environmental damage.
In Dhaka’s Rampura Bridge area, the emissions from 10 diesel-powered buses and trucks were tested.
Following the inspection, a total of Tk 10,000 was realized as fine while five cases were filed under the Environment Protection Act.
Executive Magistrate Ashiq Ahmed of the DoE’s Monitoring and Enforcement Wing led the drive while Md. Mahbur Rahman, Junior Chemist at the DoE Dhaka Laboratory acted as the prosecutor.
Meanwhile, a separate mobile court was conducted in Mohammadpur against air pollution caused by improper handling and storage of construction materials.
Two cases were filed under Rule 11(e) of the Air Pollution (Control) Rules, 2022, with fines totalling to Tk 20,000.
Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Executive Magistrate Tushar Kumar Pal led the drive while Khandaker Gaurab Mustafa, Assistant Engineer of the DoE acted as the prosecutor.
In a joint drive conducted in collaboration with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), officials filed 10 cases, realised fines amounting to Tk 31,500 and seized one unfit vehicle. BRTA Executive Magistrate Mahamudul Hasan conducted the proceedings.
Simultaneously, a special team from the Department of Environment carried out drives in various parts of Narayanganj including Adda, Kamdal, Barpara, and Bandar.
Senior Assistant Secretary and Executive Magistrate Kishore Kumar Das led the drive while Md. Mobarak Hossain, Assistant Director of the DoE, acted as the prosecutor.
During the campaign, a fine of Tk 200,000 was realised from Yang Yuan Co. Ltd as fine for polluting the air. The factory’s electricity connection was severed and high-tension cables were seized.
Additionally, the company authorities submitted a written bond, pledging not to resume operations until they obtained environmental clearance and implemented proper pollution control measures.
Officials from the Department of Environment have stated that such enforcement drives will be carried out on a regular basis to combat air pollution and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.