Brick kilns continue to be one of the most prominent causes of environmental damage in Bangladesh. According to recent reports, the flood protection embankment of Bishkhali River has been damaged with a view to set up brick kilns, which is endangering the riverside area of Bamna Upazila in Bagura.
On a broader scale, brick kilns are one of the worst offenders when it comes to air pollution. One only has to look at the deterioration in the air quality index or the proliferation of smog to make that connection.
And yet, there seems to be no stopping their sheer proliferation. The authorities had taken steps that bar the setting up of unlicensed and potentially harmful brick kilns, but it is yet to be put into practice. What is more alarming is the fact Bangladesh -- being in a potentially precarious position from the adverse effects of climate change -- would be the first country to fall victim to the devastation caused by brick kilns being set up in its own border, but nothing is being done.
We are essentially playing with fire.
Brick kilns are an archaic tool that presents more cons than pros for Bangladesh. In fact, with the dawn of the fourth industrial revolution and the setting up of state-of-the-art economic zones, it would be more beneficial to focus on sustainable ways -- both in an economic and ecological sense -- for our construction needs.
On that note, the laws in place to stop the proliferation of these veritable smokestacks need to be imposed strictly. A task force has to be set up throughout Bangladesh so that this whole practice can be regulated more tightly, if not phased out entirely.
These pillars of death have been a thorn in our side for long enough. It's time to stop.