BHALUKA, MYMENSINGH, June 24: Shaikh Faridul Islam, Deputy Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has ordered the formation of monitoring teams at industrial zones to stop the pollution of water bodies and farmlands by factory waste.
He stressed that effluent treatment plants (ETPs) must be used, and strict surveillance will be ensured so that no untreated waste from new or existing factories ends up in agricultural land, canals, rivers, or other water bodies.
He made these remarks on Wednesday while speaking as the chief guest at a stakeholders’ consultation titled ‘Harmful Effects of Environmental Pollution and Effective Steps for Remedy’, held in the Bhaluka Upazila Parishad auditorium in Mymensingh.
Earlier, the deputy minister visited areas in Bharadoba Union that have been damaged by industrial waste. After the inspection, he stated that the natural environment and aquatic life near the Bhaluka industrial belt are under serious threat. In particular, waste from the Experience, Harry Fashion, and Multazim factories in the Bharadoba area has rendered around 350 acres of farmland uncultivable, affecting nearly one thousand families.
The deputy minister said, “We must rein in these factories immediately. The drainpipes discharging polluted waste must be sealed without delay. If any factory violates these directives, strict action will be taken, and if necessary, the factory will be shut down.”
He further stated that under no circumstances should untreated waste be released into canals, rivers, wetlands, or any other water body. Officials responsible for environmental protection will also be held accountable, and action will be taken against those who fail to perform their duties.
On the issue of affected farmers, the deputy minister said, “In line with the Prime Minister’s directives, we will review available data and, after inter-ministerial discussions, make efforts to support the distressed farmers.”
The meeting, presided over by Mymensingh Deputy Commissioner Md. Saifur Rahman, was also addressed by local Member of Parliament Fakhruddin Ahmed Bachchu as the special guest. Other speakers included Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Firoz Hossain, Mymensingh South District BNP Joint Convener Ruhul Amin Masud, BNP leader Mojibur Rahman Maju, Kamrul Hasan Pathan Kamal (General Secretary of BAPA Bhaluka branch and journalist), Upazila Juba Dal General Secretary Rakibul Hasan Russell, and farmer representatives Engineer Md. Ruhul Amin, Md. Shamsuddin Mandal, Mohaimenul Islam Talukder, and Abul Bashar.
Also present were Advocate Ejaz Uddin, legal adviser to the Experience factory, Pulakmay Majumdar, representative of Multazim Mills, along with officials from various government departments, local representatives, environmental activists, and affected farmers.
