Raozan (Chattogram) Correspondent

Soil is being excavated using excavators, turning farmlands into deep pits. Roads have been damaged due to the transportation of soil and bricks for brick kilns. The public is suffering from excessive dust; even the trees are covered in layers of it. In order to escape from such severe environmental pollution, hundreds of men and women organized a human chain protest.

Some participants held placards reading: “We want a dust-free environment,” “Stop excavating soil from farmlands,” “Stop illegal sand extraction from canals,” and “Shut down illegal brick kilns.” 

The human chain program was held on  Sunday in  Dhalarmukh area of Ward No. 9 of Raozan Municipality, under the banner of the local residents of Kazipara. Several hundred men and women took part in the program.

Speakers said, “People in our area are suffering from respiratory and other serious diseases. Life-threatening illnesses have taken root in our bodies. We want to live healthy lives. Whether it's the rainy season or the dry season, we face hardships. Due to dust, children are facing problems going to school, among many other issues.”

Drawing the government’s attention, they said, “The environment of our Ward No. 09 is under threat. Is there no one to monitor this? Please visit the area in person and take action against those involved in these harmful activities. Let us live a healthy and normal life by protecting the environment.”

They also demanded to stop the movement of sand-carrying, brick-carrying, and soil-carrying vehicles through their roads, along with repairing the damaged roads. “We are receiving death threats for protesting against these illegal brick kilns, sand extraction, and environmental destruction. We need security,” they added.

Speakers at the human chain included Mohammad Raju, Saimon Hossain Jisan, Md. Roni, Mohammad Bappu, Sakhina Begum, Ruzi Akter, among others.