The Department of Environment, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, conducted special mobile court and enforcement operations across various districts of the country on Wednesday.
In Bogura, Shariatpur, and areas of Dhaka Metropolis such as Chawkbazar, Imamganj, Choto Katraghat, and Swarighat, three mobile court operations were carried out against the production, sale, supply, and marketing of banned polythene, in violation of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act.
In these operations, a total fine of Tk20,000 was collected in two cases, and 1,528kgs of polythene were seized. Additionally, the public was encouraged to use environmentally friendly jute bags instead of polythene, and leaflets were distributed.
Following the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006, three mobile court operations were conducted in Noakhali, Rajbari, and Sirajganj districts. Through five cases, fines totaling Tk5,500 were collected, and 10 hydraulic horns were seized. Drivers were also warned.
Two mobile court operations were conducted in Manikganj and Dhaka’s Gulshan area against vehicles emitting black smoke beyond permissible limits. Through nine cases, fines worth Tk25,500 were collected, and several transport drivers were warned.
Under the Air Pollution Control Rules 2022, one mobile court operation was conducted in Hatirpool and Dhanmondi areas of Dhaka for causing air pollution with construction materials. In two cases, fines totaling Tk30,000 were collected, and those involved were warned.
As per the Sand Quarry and Soil Management Act 2010, one mobile court operation was conducted in Shariatpur district for illegal sand extraction. In one case, a fine of Tk50,000 was collected.
On the other hand, under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995 (amended 2010) and the Environment Conservation Rules 2023, an enforcement operation in Narayanganj district led to the disconnection of utility services for one illegally operating establishment. The electric meter was removed, and the production activities of the establishment were completely shut down.
The Department of Environment stated that such operations will continue regularly to protect the environment and public health.
