High Court Urges Bureaucrats to Step Up: Protect Our Environment Now!

On Monday, the High Court sent a strong message to bureaucrats about the need to protect the environment. They warned that any negligence would lead to consequences and that officials who fail to follow court orders would be held accountable.

This warning came during a case brought by the Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh, which sought to enforce previous court decisions.

Representatives from Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Savar, and Dhamrai were in court because of a January 29 order. They were reminded of a November 2022 ruling that required them to shut down illegal brickfields within a week. Since that order went unheeded, the court demanded explanations.

The court declared that if such inaction continues, they will take strict measures against those responsible. Divisional commissioners and upazila nirbahi officers were ordered to provide affidavits by March 17 to confirm they are following the court’s directives.

The court also summoned five divisional commissioners from Mymensingh, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Barishal, and Sylhet, along with the director general of the Department of Environment. They are expected to report on the status of illegal brickfields in their areas by March 17.

Additionally, the Gazipur district commissioner was tasked with finding a new waste disposal site, as garbage has been piling up along the Dhaka-Mymensingh road. Justice Farah Mahbub pointed out that this waste buildup is a serious health risk.

The Gazipur DC admitted that there was no plan for waste management when the city became a corporation. The court directed him to take urgent action to safeguard public health and the environment.

Despite the court’s previous orders, many illegal brickfields continue to operate. Reports show that, in the Chattogram division alone, there are 976 illegal brick kilns, of which only 249 were shut down. In Khulna, there were 1,203 brickfields, with 886 being illegal. Only 386 of these illegal sites were demolished. In Dhaka, illegal kilns are also prevalent, with several located in Savar, Rajbari, Madaripur, and Narsingdi.

The court expressed its concern over the rising pollution levels in Bangladesh. The country’s reputation has suffered due to its position among the most polluted nations in the world. Lawyer Manzill Murshid echoed the court’s dissatisfaction with local administrations for failing to protect the environment.

He highlighted that there is a need for monitoring teams as ordered in November 2022 to address illegal brick kiln operations and the harmful use of forest wood for fuel. However, instead of taking action, divisional commissioners submitted old reports without any follow-up. This inaction has allowed illegal brick kilns to operate freely, further harming the environment and public health.

Deputy Attorney General Tanim Khan represented the state in these discussions.