As one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world, it is in Bangladesh’s best interests to be as environmentally conscious as possible -- not just at an individual level but at a policy level. After all, it is a blatant disregard for the environment which has led to Dhaka periodically topping the list of worst air quality in the world.
One of the biggest contributors, to that end, is undeniably the continued use of archaic red bricks, the manufacturing of which is inherently an environmental hazard -- a process which involves copious volumes of carbon dioxide and other effluent gases being released to the atmosphere.
So, what is the solution here?
Cement blocks, which are much more environmentally-friendly, has long been seen as one possible way we can eventually phase out the use of red bricks, but very little progress has been made in its adoption despite numerous incentives by the government to promote its use. Eco-friendly bricks are, undeniably, the future, as they can effectively reduce the adverse effects that brick kilns continue to have on us.
But the administration’s plans to promote the use of green bricks cannot be limited to the construction of government buildings -- it is clear that the current incentives being offered to brick manufacturers are potentially insufficient in hitting the 100% utilization of cement blocks by 2025 goal. Further subsidies to manufacturers, and perhaps even builders, can potentially expedite adoption of green bricks.
What must also be done is to completely phase out brick-fields which deal in the business of manufacturing archaic red bricks, factories which essentially dot the outskirts of the capital. A good number of these brick-fields are completely illegal as a result of the lack of necessary regulation. These institutions need to be stopped.
The usage of greener materials to build structures is one of the many ways that shows how urbanization does not have to come at the cost of environmental, and indeed human, integrity.