In Thanchi Upazila of Bandarban hill district, brick kilns are being operated in violation of environmental regulations right under the nose of the administration.
Although brick kiln operations are banned in hill areas, the ABM brick kiln continues to operate beside Headman Para in Thanchi Sadar, turning a blind eye to authorities. The raw materials for the kiln—soil from hills and forest wood—are being collected indiscriminately, and bricks are being produced in an unplanned manner, putting the hilly region at severe environmental risk.
A field visit revealed that in the area adjacent to Headman Para along Dim Pahar Road in Thanchi Sadar, a brick kiln named ABM has been set up without following rules or obtaining approval from the Department of Environment. The kiln is allegedly owned by influential local leader and former Awami League figure Anisur Rahman Sujon. Government forest wood is being used as fuel, and soil from government hills is used to make bricks. As a result, forests are being destroyed, and the natural environment is deteriorating. To reduce labor costs, children and Rohingya refugees from Myanmar are reportedly employed at the kiln.
The use of hill soil and forest wood is not only harming the environment but also adversely affecting local residents and school-going children. The black smoke from the kiln pollutes the surrounding area, and heavy traffic of brick-laden trucks is damaging government roads, causing difficulties for the public and students. Moreover, during school hours, thick smoke from the kiln chimney enters school premises, reducing light and air circulation in classrooms and making it difficult for students to breathe. Therefore, students, parents, and local residents have demanded that the administration shut down the brick kiln operating beside the school.
Local residents report that the surrounding area is continuously covered with black smoke from the kiln, causing respiratory problems, coughing, and eye irritation among children and the elderly. They also allege that the deforestation and destruction of the natural environment around the brick kiln are worsening.
Despite being in operation for a long time, effective action has not been taken. Occasional mobile court raids are only temporary; after a short closure, the kilns resume operations. This raises concerns over the lack of supervision and monitoring by the administration.
Environmental experts consider brick kilns in hilly areas one of the most harmful industries. Hill cutting, deforestation, and air pollution severely disrupt environmental balance. They urge the immediate closure of illegal brick kilns and the use of environmentally friendly alternative construction materials.
Regarding the issue, Assistant Director of the Bandarban Department of Environment, Razaul Karim, said that regular drives against illegal brick kilns are being conducted across Bandarban. He acknowledged the operation of the brick kiln in Thanchi and said that action would be taken against it very soon.
Attempts to reach Thanchi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdullah Al Faisal for details via phone were unsuccessful as he did not answer.
Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini said that no brick kiln should operate illegally in Bandarban. She stated that she was not aware of the kiln in Thanchi but would instruct the Upazila Nirbahi Officer to conduct immediate action. She also added that as the matter concerns the environment, the Department of Environment should be informed.
