Photo : BSS

LAKSHMIPUR, June 25, 2025 (BSS) - In a major crackdown on illegal brick production, authorities in Lakshmipur have demolished 82 unauthorized brick kilns and collected Tk 1.26 crore in fines over the past three and a half months.

Between January 15 and April 8, a total of 27 mobile court drives were carried out across the district. 

These operations, jointly conducted by the district administration and the Department of Environment (DoE), led to 36 cases being filed against kiln owners. The highest concentration of raids targeting 67 kilns, took place in Ramgati and Kamalnagar upazilas.

Assistant Director of the Lakshmipur DoE, Harun Ur Rashid Pathan, confirmed the statistics and emphasized the seriousness of the issue.

According to the DoE and local administrative offices, there are an estimated 138 brick kilns operating in the district, including in Sadar, Raipur, Ramgati, Kamalnagar, Ramganj and Chandraganj upazilas. 

However, only 54 of these have proper licenses and environmental clearances. The remaining 84 are operating illegally, many without required approvals and using outdated, polluting methods.

A significant number of these illegal kilns operate traditional 20-foot chimneys, known locally as "Bangla Bhatas," instead of the mandated zigzag technology that helps reduce environmental damage.

Md. Ohidur Rahman Patwari, general secretary of the District Brick Kiln Owners Association, acknowledged that while most kiln owners claim to follow regulations, some do violate them. 

He urged leaders in the sector to take strong action against unlawful operators. However, he also alleged that even licensed kilns face administrative harassment and questioned why illegal ones continue to function in some areas.

Lakshmipur Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Kumar Sarkar said the ongoing crackdown is the most stringent in recent times. 

He warned that no one involved in illegal kiln operations will be spared and that the construction or operation of unauthorized brick kilns will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

"This is not a symbolic campaign, this is a zero-tolerance drive," the DC added.