Netrokona, Jan 01 (V7N) — While the current government remains committed to environmentally friendly development and combating climate change, illegal brick kilns are being operated indiscriminately across Netrokona.

Influential local groups have long been running these unauthorized brick businesses in violation of laws and regulations to protect their commercial interests. Except for the haor-dominated Khaliajuri upazila, all other nine upazilas in Netrokona have illegal brick kilns in operation.

Authorities report that only four brick kilns in Netrokona are legally operating under regulations. The remaining kilns use environmentally harmful methods, without employing clean-fire technology, and operate outside the legal framework. Many kilns deliberately produce smaller-sized bricks, which are then used in construction to bypass government standards.

When contacted, Mosharraf Hossain, president of the Netrokona Brick Kiln Owners Association, admitted that production continues in this manner for years. Asked whether his own brick kiln disregards government regulations, he responded that journalists are never allowed inside his kiln, forbidding any media access.

Md. Abdullah Al Matin, Assistant Director of the Netrokona District Environment Department, told reporters on Wednesday, December 31, that action, including fines, had been taken against Mosharraf Hossain’s kiln in previous years. He further clarified that the department has no verified records of any committee under Hossain’s leadership. Nonetheless, investigations confirm that production at his kiln is continuing in violation of regulations, and authorities have pledged to take necessary measures to address the issue.

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