The court also issued a rule seeking explanation as to why the inaction of the government in shutting down illegal brick kilns would not be declared illegal. Advocate Manzil Murshid said several hundred illegal brick kilns have been operating in Lohagara upazila and other areas, leading to environmental damage. “Brick kilns are responsible for 58% of air pollution in the capital. In a series of directives in January, the High Court had asked DoE to shut down illegal brick kilns within two months. The DoE has been conducting drives against the illegal brick kilns for months now and slapping fines.

Source: Dhaka Tribune December 14, 2020 17:26 UTC