Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo spoke on compensating farmers and stopping pollution caused by Cumilla EPZ waste disposal in canals. Photo : BSS

CUMILLA, May 31, 2026 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo today said if necessary, they will go to court for realizing compensation for farmers harmed by Cumilla Export Processing Zone (EPZ) waste disposal in canal.

“Farmers harmed due to waste disposal of Cumilla EPZ must be compensated. On this issue, I am prepared to go to court on your behalf if necessary,” he said while addressing a discussion at Bijoypur Mohila College here with farmers affected by the discharge of waste from the Cumilla EPZ into natural canals. 

The minister said he saw the water of the Gungaijuri canal which made him very sad as the environment is not supposed to be like this. 

“I witnessed it with my own eyes. Within this week, I will speak with the EPZ authority. It does not matter which ministry they fall under. Their waste is harming people and the environment, and this cannot be allowed to continue. Just as EPZs are important, a healthy environment is equally important,” he said.

He ensured farmers of stopping pollution at the canal. 

Cumilla-6 MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury and local leaders and workers of BNP and associate bodies were present.