Environment Adviser Wants to Stop Burnt Bricks in Govt Construction

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that by 2025, the use of burnt bricks will be stopped in all government buildings. The government office has already been informed by letter not to use burnt bricks for construction work.

The government is the biggest consumer of bricks for construction purposes. The government uses bricks to build roads and buildings. Bricks are used for big works.

She stated this in an interview with Bangladesh News Agency.

The advisor said the government should go for an alternative system of burnt bricks. It can be resolved only if the government issues a demand letter.

She said that brick kilns are one of the causes of environmental pollution. The government is adamant about stopping it. New brick kilns in the country will not be given permission. 3491 brick kilns will be closed due to lack of environmental clearance. On the other hand, the brickyards installed illegally in the districts will be moved to other places in the public interest. However, the government will provide incentives for making block bricks if necessary.

Rizwana said, no new brick kilns are being approved. We are taking action to close the brick kilns in those areas where there are complaints about the pollution of brick kilns.

However, she said, we are not conducting any campaign in Zigzag Brick kiln because many people have invested in Zigzag Brick kiln. We have warned the owners of these brick kilns and formed a committee so that they produce bricks in accordance with the rules. If the area and the committee find any irregularity during the inspection then these brick kilns will be demolished.

Regarding Saint Martin, Rizwana Hasan said, the government has taken various initiatives and plans to protect Saint Martin and the tourism industry together. Experts on St. Martin said that no one can build a military base on that soft terrain. Now those who are agitating about St. Martin are ship owners and hotel owners. They are inciting the local people there.

She also said that this is not a one-day decision to control the tourism system. The decisions taken at different times are being implemented in phases. We impose limited restrictions on biodiversity and environmental protection. Tourism activities will continue in St. Martin from November to December. So it is not right to say that tourism is closed. It is a false propaganda.