Bangladesh: A young man was beaten and seriously injured in Natore for demanding an end to brick kiln pollution
It has been alleged that a young man named Wazul Hossain (30) was beaten with an iron rod and severely injured in Gurdaspur, Natore, demanding an end to the environmental pollution caused by the brick kiln.
The incident took place in the Chanchkair Madhyampara colony of the municipality recently. The injured youth has been admitted to the Upazila Health Complex.
His mother, Zainab Bibi has complained about the police station alleging that Wazul was tortured. Shakil Sonar, son of brick kiln owner Zakir Sonar, two nephews Rubel Sonar, Alim Sonar and brother Jahangir Sonar have been charged.
According to the victims and local sources, six brickfields have been set up in the Madhyampara colony of Chanchkair, ignoring the government restrictions. The soil is being hauled in small and big trucks and trolleys to make bricks at these lowlands.
The carried soil-sand has fallen, and the roads and surrounding areas have turned grey with dust. They claim that many people are suffering from problems like shortness of breath due to pollution.
To save themselves from such a situation, the colony people verbally complained to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the Upazila Vice Chairman.
Today, brick kiln owner Zakir Sonar’s son, brother and nephews beat Wazul Hossain with an iron rod and injured him from the source of this incident.
The UNO said brickyard owners were warned to stop the pollution. Today the people of the colony, including the tortured youth, came to his office. The OC (Officer In-charge of Local police station) has been directed to take legal action in this regard.
Gurdaspur Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdur Razzak said efforts were being made to arrest the accused based on Wazul’s mother’s allegations.
