Dhaka:The government is set to implement a pilot project to replace the use of topsoil with canal soil in brick manufacturing. This initiative aims to protect agricultural land fertility by curbing the extraction of topsoil for brick production.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, directives have been issued to deputy commissioners to ensure that all registered brick kiln owners participate in the program. The goal is to make use of excavated canal soil, thereby preserving the organic matter and nutrients concentrated in the topsoil, which are critical for crop productivity.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shaikh Faridul Islam, announced that the canal excavation programme is expected to start in November nationwide. The extracted canal soil will be supplied to designated brick fields to reduce the reliance on topsoil for brick production.
The government has mandated the use of RCC blocks in public construction since 2019-20 to minimize environmental pollution from fire-burnt bricks. However, the shift has faced challenges and delays in implementation. By 2025, the government aims to fully transition to concrete blocks, with phased reductions in brick usage planned from earlier years.
Experts have highlighted the detrimental impact of topsoil stripping on food security. Professor Dr. M Zillur Rahman from Dhaka University emphasized the loss of vital nutrients from topsoil and the lengthy natural recovery process. Dr. Ahmed Kamruzzaman, a science faculty dean at Stamford University, stressed the importance of protecting topsoil to prevent threats to food security, especially given the illegal operations of many brick kilns.
The Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA) supports strict enforcement of the Control of Land Utilisation and Farm Land Protection Ordinance, 2026, which prohibits the sale or transport of topsoil for brick kilns. BAPA General Secretary Alamgir Kabir advocates for a policy to utilize canal soil effectively, reducing the need for topsoil extraction.