Dhaka: The Department of Environment (DoE) conducted extensive mobile court drives across various regions of Bangladesh today, enforcing the Bangladesh Environment Protection Act, 1995 (amended 2010), the Sound Pollution Control Rules, 2006, and the Air Pollution Control Rules, 2022.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, these operations took place in Bogura, Narayanganj districts, and the Chawkbazar area of Dhaka metropolis, resulting in the seizure of 3,250 kg of banned polythene and the collection of Taka 4 lakh in fines from six cases through three mobile courts. The violations pertained to the production, sale, supply, and marketing of banned polythene.
Additionally, the DoE distributed leaflets to various markets, super shops, and shop owners to convey a warning message about the use of banned polythene and to increase public awareness. On the same day, a drive in the Tikatuli area of Dhaka city under the Sound Pollution Control Rules, 2006, led to the imposition and collection of a Taka 15,000 fine in six cases through one mobile court, alongside the seizure of 60 hydraulic horns. Cautionary instructions were also issued to the drivers of the vehicles involved.
Moreover, under the Air Pollution Control Rules, 2022, operations in the Tikatuli and Shyamoli areas of Khulna and Dhaka city resulted in the collection of Taka 65,500 in fines from four cases through three mobile courts for air pollution caused by construction materials. The owners of the involved institutions received warnings and instructions to promptly remove the air-polluting construction materials.
The Department of Environment has urged public cooperation in environmental conservation and compliance with the law.