Closure of illegal lime, casting factories demanded

SONARGAON, NARAYANGANJ, Sept 25: Environmental activists formed a human chain in Sonargaon Upazila of the district on Friday to demand the immediate closure of 56 illegal lime and casting factories poisoning local air and threatening public health.

Organised by the Poribesh Rokkha Andolon outside the Sonargaon Press Club, the protest drew civic leaders and local residents who condemned authorities for failing to take action against the owners, despite their identities being public.

Speakers said that toxic emissions from the unauthorised mills have severely polluted the historic region’s environment, causing widespread respiratory issues and skin diseases among children and the elderly. 

Protestors accused local political elites, corrupt administration officials, and dishonest Titas Gas personnel of shielding the illegal operations. Leaders urged communities to build a unified social resistance against the owners, political patrons, and complicit utility officials driving the environmental degradation.

The demonstration was presided over by movement President Rahman Mujib and conducted by General Secretary Mokarram Mamun, while President of Subarnagram Sanskriti Angan Poet Shahed Kayes, Joint Secretary of Sonargaon Press Club Rabiul Hussain, General Secretary of the Sonargaon unit of SHUJAN Mizanur Rahman Mamun, President of the Sonargaon unit of Udichi Shankar Prakash, Vice-President of the Poribesh Rokkha Andolon Moazzenul Haque, Joint Secretary Mofakkhar Sagar, and Executive Committee members Rokeya Akter and Shahadat Hossain Shipon Chowdhury, among others.