The Department of Environment on Friday shut down 12 illegal lead battery factories operating at Konapara and Jatrabari in Dhaka, and Aminbazar in Savar for polluting the environment.
The factories were engaged in unauthorised battery dismantling and smelting, posing severe health and environmental hazards, said a press release issued on the day.
A joint operation by the DoE and Jatrabari police early Friday led to the closure of the six factories at Konapara, including the sealing of two facilities. These raids uncovered illicit lead smelting operations that were releasing toxic fumes, endangering local residents who had been suffering from respiratory illnesses and other health complications due to prolonged exposure.
In a separate enforcement drive at Aminbazar in Savar, the DoE demolished six illegal lead smelting furnaces.
This action was carried out with the cooperation of the Bangladesh Police and the Rapid Action Battalion.
The operations were also supported by local volunteers and community members, who played a crucial role in identifying locations of these illegal facilities and providing valuable intelligence.
The DoE also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any similar illegal establishments to the authorities concerned, emphasising the importance of collective action in preventing environmental pollution.
The DoE reaffirmed its commitment to continuing rigorous enforcement measures against all forms of air pollution, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for all.