KHULNA, Mar 15 (UNB): 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 February 24, 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 March 01. 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.
On February 10, a mobile court, in collaboration with the DoE, fined the owners of nine illegal kilns in Rupsha upazila a total of Tk 2.2 million (22 lakh). Following the High Court’s directive, on March 03, 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 August 05, 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.
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.
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.”