The Ministry of Environment and the Department of Environment launched a series of coordinated mobile court operations across the country today, targeting environmental violations related to banned polythene use, air pollution, noise pollution, and emissions of black smoke.
In Gaibandha, Gazipur, and Keraniganj (Dhaka), three mobile courts acted under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act. A factory illegally producing polythene was sealed, and its owner was sentenced to three months of rigorous imprisonment. Authorities also seized a staggering 8,615 kg of banned polythene products. Several super shops and stores were issued warnings and directed to immediately stop the use of polythene bags.
Meanwhile, air pollution caused by careless storage and transport of construction materials prompted action in Pallabi and Adabor, Dhaka. Under the Air Pollution Control Rules, 2022, four cases were filed, and a total of BDT 23,000 in fines was collected. Establishments in the area were warned, and authorities ordered the prompt removal of harmful construction debris.
Efforts to curb noise pollution were simultaneously conducted in Rajbari and Darus Salam, Dhaka. Under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2006, three mobile courts filed 11 cases, collected BDT 19,000 in fines, and seized 7 illegal hydraulic horns from vehicles. Drivers were warned and counseled on the environmental impact of excessive noise.
To combat black smoke emissions from unfit vehicles, a mobile court in Darus Salam penalized two transport operators with a total fine of BDT 6,000. Warnings were also issued to vehicle owners.
The Ministry of Environment confirmed that such enforcement drives will continue regularly across the country to ensure compliance with environmental laws and to build a cleaner, safer Bangladesh.
