The Department of Environment, in a nationwide special operation conducted in coordination with local administrations and law enforcement agencies, seized 13,026 kg of banned polythene bags, and levied fines to the tune of Tk6.2 lakh for violations of environmental protection laws.
According to a statement issued by the DoE on Friday, the drive was launched under Section 6(a) of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (amended in 2010).
The department carried out three mobile court drives simultaneously in Narayanganj, Rajbari and Shariatpur. Eleven cases were filed for producing, selling, supplying and marketing the banned items, while electricity connections to three establishments were disconnected.
During the operation, superstores, shop owners and members of the public were warned about the harmful effects of banned polythene bags, and awareness leaflets were distributed. The Department of Environment said such drives will continue to protect the environment.
In Bagerhat Sadar’s Fulbari area, a mobile court led by Assistant Commissioners and Executive Magistrates Md Tanvir Islam and Adnan Zulfikar penalised two vehicles for using prohibited hydraulic horns, seized four horn pipes and collected Tk1,500 in fines.
Prosecution was conducted by Department of Environment Bagerhat Assistant Director Delwar Hossain.
In Lalmonirhat Sadar, a mobile court led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mononita Das filed six cases against vehicles for using hydraulic horns and causing excessive noise, realising Tk3,000 in fines. Ten hydraulic horns were seized and destroyed, with prosecution handled by Department of Environment Lalmonirhat Inspector Md Golam Asif Rahman.
Meanwhile on August 13, in a joint operation under High Court directives, two illegal brick kilns – Elahi Bricks Manufacturing and Seven Bricks Manufacturing – were demolished in Faitang area under Lama, Bandarban. Three more illegal brick kilns were destroyed in Kishoreganj.
The Department of Environment has warned that drives against illegal polythene use, noise pollution, and other environmental law violations will continue across the country.