A joint operation by Kushtia district administration and Department of Environment on Wednesday fined totaling Tk 12 lakh against eight brick kilns for operating without proper authorization or compliance with environmental regulations.
The operation was conducted in Kushtia Sadar and Kumarkhali upazilas, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rifatul Islam and Senior Chemist Habibul Basar from the Department of Environment.
The brick kilns fined in Kushtia Sadar included NSR Bricks (Tk 3 lakh), AFNR Bricks (Tk 2.5 lakh), Five Star (Tk 2 lakh), and HNR Bricks (Tk 2 lakh), all located in Laxmipur and Horinarayanpur areas. In Kumarkhali upazila, four additional brick kilns faced fines amounting to Tk 2.5 lakh collectively.
Kumarkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Mikail Islam noted that the penalties were imposed under the Brick Manufacturing Act, considering the scale and impact of each kiln's operations.
Officials issued strict orders for all unauthorized activities at the brick kilns to cease immediately. Assistant Commissioner Rifatul Islam warned that stricter legal actions would follow if the kilns resume operations in violation of the law.
