TDS Desk:

No new permission will be given for brick kilns to prevent air pollution, rather, 3,491 brick kilns operating without environmental clearance will be shut down.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, came up with the announcement on Thursday.

She also said that all illegally constructed brick kilns in Chattogram Hill Tracts regions must be relocated for the sake of a healthy environment.

Earlier in the day, she held a meeting at her Secretariat office in Dhaka, where officials from the Department of Environment and leaders of the Bangladesh Brick Manufacturing Owners Association (BBMOA) were present.

The discussion focused on eco-friendly brick production, modernisation of brick kilns and reducing carbon emissions.

Rizwana Hasan expressed deep concern over the environmental impact of brick kilns, saying, “The construction of buildings will remain insufficient if we cannot ensure a livable environment for future generations.”

She further said that air pollution is reducing the average life expectancy by 5 to 7 years so, no brick kilns will be allowed to operate without a license and environmental clearance.

She also warned of strict action against corruption within the Department of Environment.

BBMOA leaders highlighted the challenges faced by the brick kiln industry and proposed adopting eco-friendly technologies.

They urged the government to support their initiatives, encouraging the use of green technology in brick kilns.

The meeting was attended, among others, by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, the Additional Secretary, the Director General of the Department of Environment, BBMOA Central Committee President Feroz Haider Khan, and leaders from various districts.