Shut down all illegal brick kilns in Chattogram in 14 days: HC

The High Court today directed the authorities concerned of the government to shut down all illegal brick kilns still in operation in Chattogram within 14 working days to curb pollution.

The HC also asked the authorities to submit a report to it after complying with the directives by March 14.

The HC bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Mohi Uddin Shamim came up with the order and rule while hearing a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) seeking necessary directives on this issue.

The court set March 14 for passing further order to this end.

The district administration and Department of Environment office of Chattogram today told the HC through their lawyers that they are shutting down illegal brick kilns in the district in line with its directive and they need more time to complete the task.

Lawyer Manzill Murshid appeared for the writ petitioner, Assistant Attorney General Ashik Rubayet represented the state while lawyer Syed Kamrul Islam stood for the Department of Environment during the hearing.

On December 14 last year, following the same petition the HC ordered the authorities to shut down illegal brick kilns in Chattogram in a week to curb pollution in the area and to submit a compliance report to it.

At the same time, the court issued a rule asking the government to explain why its inaction to shut down the illegal brick kilns should not be declared illegal.