Anti-pollution drive: 695 brick kilns shut down, 218,000 kg polythene seized, over Tk25.26cr fined
Between 2 January and 29 May 2025, the DoE conducted 987 mobile court operations, resulting in 2,348 cases and a total of Tk252,606,900 in fines
Under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change's initiative, the Department of Environment (DoE) has conducted extensive mobile court drives nationwide to combat pollution.
Between 2 January and 29 May 2025, the DoE conducted 987 mobile court operations, resulting in 2,348 cases and a total of Tk252,606,900 in fines, reads a release from the ministry.
These operations targeted excessive black smoke emissions from vehicles, illegal brick kilns, air- and noise-polluting steel mills, hazardous waste disposal, illegal lead and battery recycling factories, tyre pyrolysis plants, charcoal factories, and construction materials stored in open spaces, all of which cause air pollution.
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During this period, the chimneys of 479 brick kilns were demolished, and their operations were completely shut down. Another 216 kilns were ordered to close, 132 kilns had their raw bricks destroyed, and electricity connections were disconnected from 15 polluting establishments.
Two individuals were sentenced to one month of imprisonment. Additionally, six factories had their lead and battery melting machinery — equivalent to eight truckloads — seized and were closed.
From 3 November 2024 to date, a total of 415 mobile court drives have been conducted across the country against the production, sale, supply, and marketing of banned polythene. These resulted in fines of Tk6,248,800 being imposed on 786 establishments and the seizure of approximately 217,905 kg of illegal polythene.
On 29 May 2025 alone, a mobile court in Savar fined three entities Tk25,000 and seized around 70 kg of banned polythene. Supermarkets, shop owners, and the general public were also alerted and advised against the production and use of illegal polythene.
On the same day, a mobile court operation in Shyampur-Kadamtoli, Dhaka, disconnected the utility services of an illegal entity operating without clearance.
Another mobile court in Mymensingh fined two illegal brick kilns Tk200,000 and demolished their chimneys.
In Bandarban, a mobile court imposed a fine of Tk15,000 for illegal hill cutting.
The Department of Environment will continue such anti-pollution drives in the future, says the release.
