Owners defy court order, operates brick kilns in collusion with Environment Department
NoakhailCorrespondent
Md. Selim, a local, said, “Bhuttu’s kiln has no environmental clearance. I filed a writ in 2017, but Mirza’s threats forced me to withdraw it. Government rules prohibit brick kilns in residential areas, near schools, or on agricultural land with over 50 fruit trees, yet Bhuttu flouts them.
In defiance of a High Court order, an Awami League leader is running a brick kiln in a densely populated area of Rampur union, Companiganj upazila, allegedly with the complicity of Noakhali’s Department of Environment (DoE), locals claim.
The kiln, M/s Bamni Bricks Manufacturing Company, is owned by Siddique Ullah Bhuttu, a member of Companiganj upazila Awami League. Locals allege that the facility, located in Middle Rampur, Ward 7, burns wood regularly despite the court ban, emitting toxic black smoke that is sickening residents, particularly children. The DoE and local administration have taken no concrete steps to shut it down permanently, they add.
The kiln, M/s Bamni Bricks Manufacturing Company, is owned by Siddique Ullah Bhuttu, a member of Companiganj upazila Awami League. Locals allege that the facility, located in Middle Rampur, Ward 7, burns wood regularly despite the court ban, emitting toxic black smoke that is sickening residents, particularly children. The DoE and local administration have taken no concrete steps to shut it down permanently, they add.
The kiln, established in 2017 on nearly two acres of agricultural and forest land, is surrounded by 350 households, four schools, a community clinic, and a mosque. Locals claim Bhuttu leveraged the political influence of Abdul Quader Mirza—former Basurhat mayor and younger brother of ex-minister Obaidul Quader—to set it up. Bhuttu is known as a close associate of Mirza.In 2017, residents Ismat Ara Ruma, Abu Naser, Mohsin (alias Lal Miah), and Md. Selim filed complaints with the DoE and other agencies to halt the illegal construction, but to no avail. A High Court writ petition was withdrawn under alleged threats from Mirza. Following a mass uprising, Md. Selim refiled a writ in 2025, leading to a High Court order (Writ Petition No. 1274/2025, dated March 3, 2025) mandating the kiln’s closure within two months.A visit to the site revealed ongoing operations in violation of the court order. Soil from agricultural land is being excavated to make bricks, and a chimney has been built near homes. The kiln burns wood illegally, locals say, releasing smoke and ash that threaten public health, damage crops, and harm biodiversity. Fruit trees in the area are reportedly ruined, and residents, especially women and children, suffer from respiratory issues like coughs and colds.
Md. Selim, a local, said, “Bhuttu’s kiln has no environmental clearance. I filed a writ in 2017, but Mirza’s threats forced me to withdraw it. Government rules prohibit brick kilns in residential areas, near schools, or on agricultural land with over 50 fruit trees, yet Bhuttu flouts them.
His tractors have also damaged rural roads.”Others allege that burning wood instead of coal exacerbates pollution, destroying crops and causing widespread health issues.Contacted, Bhuttu acknowledged the court’s stay order. “Initially, I had environmental clearance, but it wasn’t renewed, and the district administration didn’t approve it either,” he said.
“The DoE told us to keep running, saying they wouldn’t object.”
Mihir Lal Sardar, deputy director of Noakhali DoE, claimed the kiln has a locational clearance, and its environmental clearance application is under review.
Mihir Lal Sardar, deputy director of Noakhali DoE, claimed the kiln has a locational clearance, and its environmental clearance application is under review.
“We fined Bamni Bricks Tk 1 lakh recently via a mobile court for non-compliance,” he added.District Administrator Khandaker Istiak Ahmed said, “The administration is proactive about closing illegal kilns. We’ll investigate and take legal action.”
Noakhali Correspondent
