Ctg admin demolishes illegal brick kiln in Rangunia

The administration in Chattogram demolished an illegal brick kiln in the Islampur area of Rangunia upazila on Monday.

The action was taken after Abu Azad, a journalist of The Business Standard, was assaulted while taking pictures of illegal brick kilns while collecting news on 25 December.

On Monday morning, the district administration and the Department of Environment conducted a joint operation to demolish the brick kiln named Ekota Bricks Concern.

Pratik Dutta, executive magistrate of the district administration, and Md Afzarlur Islam, assistant director of the Department of Environment, Chattogram, were present during the operation.

According to the Department of Environment and district administration, around 1 lakh bricks, several chimneys, furnaces and the brickyard of Ekota Brick Kiln were demolished as it had no licence.

Besides, the authorities fined Md Kamal Uddin, owner of another brick kiln named KBM Brick Kiln in Betagi union, Tk8 lakh for cutting hills.

The action was taken against the brick kilns for violating various sections of the Bangladesh Environment Protection Act and the Brick Manufacturing and Kiln Installation (control) Act, officials said.

Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman, deputy commissioner of Chattogram, told The Business Standard, "No illegal brick kiln will be allowed to operate in Chattogram. We will continue our regular operations against them. The government is emphasising block bricks to save the environment. If brick kiln owners want, they will be trained in making eco-friendly block bricks."

On 25 December, local UP member Mohiuddin Talukder Mohan along with six people beat TBS journalist Abu Azad and threatened him with pistols while he was taking pictures of illegal brick kilns in Rangunia.

On 26 December, the victim filed a case against 11 people, including the UP chairman, with Rangunia Model police station, alleging attempted murder, kidnapping, beating and extortion.