Bangladesh ranks as one of the most polluted countries in the world, with the capital Dhaka frequently topping the list of cities with the most polluted air. And as the air we breathe is becoming increasingly toxic, the illegal brick kilns scattered across Bangladesh are considered the primary drivers behind this degradation.
Despite numerous reported attempts by the government, both past and present, in keeping the number of brick kilns down, these polluting establishments keep mushrooming around the country at a breakneck pace. According to a recent report, unauthorized brick kilns are rapidly expanding in remote areas of Khulna division, posing a serious threat to both the environment and public health, and despite the Department of the Environment only allowing permits to brick kilns only on the condition that they do not burn wood, the owners of such kilns appear to disregard these restrictions.
We have known for some time just how staggering the environmental toll of these kilns is, as the emissions they bellow not only degrade air quality but also contribute to climate change the effects of which Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to. Air pollution is now considered one of the leading causes of premature death in Bangladesh, with children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions being particularly vulnerable to the high concentrations of fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, in our air.
Given that the majority of brick kilns are completely unauthorized, it is high time for the government to take a firm stand against this environmental and public health crisis. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms, holding corrupt officials accountable, and promoting cleaner technologies must be prioritized -- we already have greener alternatives to the traditional red brick in the country, the onus is on the administration to ensure that adoption of this technology is sufficiently incentivized in order to completely eliminate brick kilns at an institutional level.
