Illegal Brick Kiln Demolished in Pirgacha, Farmers Express Satisfaction

Daily Bijoy News Pirgacha (Rangpur) Correspondent:

The illegal brick kiln in Pirgacha, Rangpur, has finally been demolished. On Monday (May 19) afternoon, a joint operation by the district administration and the Department of Environment razed the kiln to the ground.

Located in Bamon Sardar village, the MSB Bricks kiln’s toxic smoke had destroyed paddy crops on 41 acres of land belonging to 78 farmers. Following protests by the affected farmers, the kiln owner provided only nominal compensation. Just 11 days after the payment, the authorities demolished the kiln.

Local farmers reported that the poisonous fumes from the kiln had burned and ruined their crops, prompting them to launch a movement. After media coverage, the district and upazila administrations took action. A field investigation by agricultural experts confirmed the damage and assessed compensation at Tk 8.35 lakh.

Initially, the kiln owner, Mominul Islam, agreed to pay but later avoided fulfilling the commitment. On May 4, farmers protested at the upazila parishad, demanding the kiln’s removal. Subsequently, the owner, with the help of local BNP leaders, manipulated the compensation process, forcing farmers to accept a reduced amount—Tk 2.13 lakh less than the official assessment. Many farmers expressed anger and reiterated their demand for demolition.

Finally, on Monday afternoon, following directives from the Department of Environment, authorities demolished one wall and the chimney of the kiln. Farmers welcomed the move.

The operation was led by Executive Magistrate Tamal Azad of the Rangpur District Administration. Also present were Deputy Director Abdus Salam Sarkar of the Department of Environment, Assistant Director Kamal Kumar Sarkar, and District Inspector Masudur Rahman.

Daily Bijoy News / Atikur Rahman