The Department of Environment (DoE) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Wednesday conducted special mobile court and enforcement drives across different districts of the country to protect the environment.
In Bogura, Shariatpur, and Dhaka Metropolitan areas including Chawkbazar, Imamganj, Chhoto Katra Ghat, and Swarighat, three mobile court drives were carried out against the production, sale, supply, and marketing of banned polythene under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act. A total of BDT 20,000 in fines were imposed through two cases, and 1,528 kilograms of banned polythene were seized. Awareness activities were also conducted to encourage the public to use eco-friendly jute bags instead of polythene, and leaflets were distributed.
Under the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006, three mobile court drives were conducted in Noakhali, Rajbari, and Sirajganj districts. Five cases were filed, fines totaling BDT 5,500 were realized, and 10 hydraulic horns were seized. Drivers were also cautioned during the drive.
Against excessive black smoke emissions from vehicles, two mobile court drives were conducted in Manikganj and Gulshan, Dhaka. Nine cases were filed, BDT 25,500 in fines were realized, and several transport drivers were cautioned.
Under the Air Pollution (Control) Rules, 2022, one mobile court drive was conducted in Dhaka’s Hatirpool and Dhanmondi areas against air pollution caused by construction materials. Two cases were filed, BDT 30,000 in fines were realized, and those responsible were cautioned.
In Shariatpur, under the Sand Quarry and Soil Management Act, 2010, one mobile court drive was conducted against illegal sand extraction, resulting in one case and BDT 50,000 in fines.
Separately, under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (Amended 2010) and the Environment Conservation Rules, 2023, an enforcement drive was conducted in Narayanganj. During the drive, the utility connections of an illegally operating establishment were disconnected, its electric meter was removed, and production activities were completely shut down.
The Department of Environment stated that such drives will continue regularly to protect the environment and safeguard public health.
