Department of Environment raids 4 brick kilns in Phulbari

The Department of Environment has raided four brick kilns in Phulbari upazila of Dinajpur on charges of operating brick kilns illegally. Among them, Ibrahim Bricks (formerly Arnab Bricks) and Shilpi Bricks were demolished with a bulldozer.

In addition, Nabi Bricks and NH Bricks were fined Tk 3 lakh each for not renewing their licenses, making a total of Tk 6 lakh.

A mobile court led by Sajjad Zahid Ratul, Executive Magistrate of the Monitoring and Enforcement Branch of the Department of Environment (Head Office), conducted the raid on Thursday morning.

Also present in the drive were Badrunnahar Seema, Assistant Director of the Environment Department, Dinajpur, and Rubayet Amin Reza, Research Officer of the Rangpur Divisional Office. Army members, police, fire service personnel, and representatives of the electricity supplier were also present.

It is learned that on Thursday morning, a drive was conducted in the Rangamati area of the upazila and the illegally operated Ibrahim Bricks and Shilpi Bricks were demolished. Later, a drive was conducted in the Rajarampur area and a fine of 3 lakh taka was collected from each kiln as per the Eid Preparation and Kiln Establishment Control Act (Amended-2019).

Assistant Director Badrunnahar Seema said, “A case is ongoing in the court on the allegation that 31 brick kilns in Dinajpur district are operating kilns by showing fake writs and fake orders. Although notices to stop their activities have already been given, they have continued to operate the kilns. Therefore, a drive is being conducted against the illegal brick kilns. He said that such drives will continue to protect the environment.”