Staff Reporter
Today, the Department of Environment (DoE) conducted simultaneous nationwide operations against banned polythene and noise pollution. Six mobile courts were convened in Netrokona, Kishoreganj, Khulna, Bandarban, and Dhaka’s Palashi Mor, Chawkbazar, Imamganj, Swarighat, and Lalbagh areas for violating Section 6(a) of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (amended 2010).
Twelve cases were filed for the production, sale, supply, and marketing of banned polythene. A total of BDT 24,500 in fines was collected, and 4,560 kg of polythene was seized in these cases.
Intensified surveillance and reconnaissance were carried out in the Chawkbazar, Swarighat, and Lalbagh areas. During the operations, shop owners, super shops, and the general public were cautioned against using banned polythene.
On the same day, an anti-noise pollution drive was conducted in Nilphamari district. One mobile court collected BDT 1,000 in fines in two cases and seized two hydraulic horns. Several drivers were also warned.
In another DoE operation in Narayanganj, an illegally operating factory had its utility connections severed, and its operations were shut down.
From January 2 to July 31, 2025, the Department of Environment has conducted 1,296 mobile courts across the country. A total of BDT 25,81,88,600 in fines has been collected from 3,170 cases.
During this period, 484 brick kiln chimneys were demolished, and their operations were halted. Directives to shut down were issued against 216 brick kilns, and raw bricks from 133 kilns were destroyed.
Additionally, utility connections to 16 polythene factories were severed, and the factories were sealed. Electricity connections to 108 establishments were disconnected. Two individuals were sentenced to one month of rigorous imprisonment. In raids on 12 establishments, nine truckloads of lead and battery melting equipment were seized, and the factories were shut down.
The Department of Environment’s anti-pollution efforts will continue in the future.