The traditional red brick, despite its ubiquity, has long been considered archaic within the field of construction. The process behind manufacturing red bricks deals irreparable damage to the environment and is generally hazardous to public health, not to mention those who are directly involved with the process.
We have known for a long time that the many brickfields dotting our capital city have greatly contributed to the abject deterioration of the city’s air as it drives up the PM2.5 concentration, which has a direct impact on not just the respiratory systems of living organisms but can also cause various forms of cancer. The red brick, then, is fundamentally incompatible with the very idea of a healthy life, not to mention the future.
A recent mandate by the interim government holds some promise that the traditional brick may soon be phased out as, according to the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser, the use of traditional burned bricks will be ceased in all government constructions by the coming year. Furthermore, any new brick kilns will not be given clearance in Bangladesh, while also underscoring how 3,491 brick kilns have been shut due to lack of environmental clearance.
This is absolutely a step in the right direction for Bangladesh.
Eco-friendly green bricks have existed as an alternative for a long time now, and it is high time that Bangladesh made the switch. The previous government had already launched an initiative in which bank loans were made accessible to those involved in the production of environment-friendly bricks, and the interim government should absolutely seek to resume it.
