At least 31 brick kilns operating without environmental clearance have spread across three wards of Fythong Union in Lama Upazila of Bandarban, causing severe environmental damage and disrupting local livelihoods, according to residents and officials.
Local people said that most of the kilns are operating without legal permits from the DoE and have been running for years, while hills are being cut, forests cleared, and farmland destroyed to supply soil for brick production.
Residents say uncontrolled hill cutting and deforestation have severely damaged agricultural land, forcing many farmers to abandon cultivation.
“Rice and vegetables used to be grown here, but now the area is filled with smoke, dust and ash. Even breathing normally has become difficult,” a local resident said.
Fythong Union Parishad Member Thoaihla Marma said the kilns have created serious environmental and health problems.
“The black smoke and dust from the kilns are heavily polluting the air. Farmers are losing cultivable land and many residents are suffering from respiratory problems,” she said, urging immediate action against illegal kilns.
Union Parishad Member Khaleda Begum said many kilns were built close to schools and residential areas in violation of the Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kiln Establishment (Control) Act, 2013.
“Kilns have been set up beside educational institutions, inside residential areas and near canals and roads, exposing children, women and elderly people to serious health risks,” she said.
Sources said Fythong Union covers about 16,205 acres of land, with 5,401 acres located in Wards 7, 8 and 9.
Investigations show that nearly one-tenth of the land in these wards is occupied by the 31 brick kilns, leaving limited space for agriculture.
Authorities have attempted enforcement actions, but resistance has been reported.
On 20 November 2025, a joint team led by DoE Executive Magistrate Rezwan Ul Islam and Divisional Director Md Jamir Uddin faced obstruction during an operation against illegal kilns when workers blocked a road in Chakaria, leading to clashes that left at least 20 people injured.
Later, on 25 December, a mobile court led by Lama Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Md Moin Uddin fined four brick kilns Tk8 lakh for operating without registration.
Residents, however, said fines alone have failed to stop the operations, with kiln owners continuing their activities after paying penalties.
Lama Upazila Executive Officer Md Moin Uddin said drives against illegal kilns are ongoing and legal measures will be taken to shut down those violating environmental laws.
Bandarban Department of Environment Assistant Director Rezaul Karim said officials have faced attacks during previous operations but enforcement efforts will continue to protect the environment and public health.
