DHAKA, Sept 12, 2025 (BSS) - As part of a special initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Department of Environment (DoE) conducted a total of 1,540 mobile court drives across the country between January 2 and September 11 this year to curb air, noise, and polythene pollution.

According to a press release issued today, the drives resulted in 3,797 cases being filed and fines amounting to Taka 26 crore 38 lakh 26 thousand 900.

Significant actions were taken during this period to reduce environmental pollution. 

A total of 489 illegal brick kilns were permanently shut down and their chimneys demolished. Directives were issued to close 216 more brick kilns, while raw bricks were destroyed at 133 kilns.

In a further crackdown, 25 illegal polythene factories were sealed and their utility connections disconnected. Additionally, electricity or service connections of 132 establishments were severed due to violations of environmental regulations.

Four individuals were sentenced to varying terms of imprisonment without parole, while nine truckloads of lead and battery-melting equipment were seized from 13 institutions, which were subsequently closed.

On September 12 alone, three mobile courts were operated in Feni, Chattogram and Narayanganj to curb the illegal production and marketing of banned polythene under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act.

During the drives, nine cases were filed, resulting in Taka 65,000 in fines and the seizure of 319 kilograms of polythene. Leaflets were distributed in markets and super shops to raise public awareness about environmental conservation.

On the same day, two mobile courts were conducted in Manikganj and the Motijheel-Gulistan area of the capital to control black smoke emissions from vehicles. Seven cases were filed and fines amounting to Taka 15,000 were realized. Several drivers were warned for excessive smoke emissions.

In a separate drive, five mobile courts were held in Narail, Bandarban, Shariatpur, Manikganj and Chattogram to tackle noise pollution in line with the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2006.

These drives led to 19 cases being filed, fines of Taka 40,000 being imposed, and the seizure of 34 hydraulic horns.

The Department of Environment will continue the nationwide drives to ensure environmental protection and safeguard public health.