Residents Demand Closure of Illegal Brick Kiln in Lakshmipur

Locals in Lakshmipur formed a human chain on Sunday demanding the immediate closure of an illegal brick kiln and a ban on tractors carrying soil in the area.

The protest took place at 11:30 AM on the Lakshmipur-Ramgati road in the Chhatki Sakon area, under Bhabaniganj Union of Sadar Upazila. Residents, alongside teachers and students from two local madrasas, blocked the road for an hour to voice their grievances.

The demonstration followed an incident on Saturday afternoon where a student, Mobarak Hossain Jabed, was hit by a tractor transporting soil for a local kiln. Witnesses alleged that when locals protested the accident, they were attacked by approximately 10–12 associates of the kiln owner, Moktar Hossain Biplob. The assault reportedly left several people injured, including Abu Taleb, Ali Azzam, and Gias, the president of Chhatti Sakon Jame Mosque.

Speakers at the human chain, including Abul Basar, Superintendent of the local Mahila Dakhil Madrasa, and Bellal Hossain, Vice-President of the Chhatti Sakon Jame Mosque, highlighted the ongoing danger posed by the kiln located on Emritola Road. They stated that heavy tractors are destroying local roads and causing frequent accidents.

Protesters claimed that the kiln owners have ignored repeated complaints and instead resorted to violence against the community. They urged the local administration to shut down the illegal kiln and stop the movement of unauthorized tractors, warning of a larger movement if their demands are not met.