Air pollution control permit will not be given to new brick kilns: Syeda Rizwana Hasan

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Bangladesh, announced that the country will not issue new permits for brick kilns to combat air pollution.

Besides, the activities of 3 thousand 491 brick kilns without environmental clearance will be stopped. And all brick kilns built illegally in hilly districts will be shifted elsewhere.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan said this in an exchange meeting with the leaders of the Department of Environment and Bangladesh Brick Manufacturing Owners Association (BBMOA) in the meeting room of the Ministry on September 25. The meeting focused on eco-friendly brick production, upgrading brick kilns, and lowering carbon emissions.

The environmental advisor highlighted the negative effects of brick kilns and stressed that it’s not enough to focus solely on construction; we need to create a sustainable environment for future generations.

Air pollution is reducing the average life expectancy of people by five to seven years. So no brick kiln can be operated without a license and permit.

BBMOA leaders highlighted the challenges faced by the brick industry and suggested adoption of environment-friendly technology.

They sought the government’s cooperation to encourage the use of green technology in brick kilns. At this time, they gave a memorandum to the adviser.

During the meeting, the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, the Additional Secretary, the Director General of the Department of Environment, and Feroz Haider Khan, President of the Bangladesh Brick Manufacturing Owners Association, along with other district leaders participated in discussions.