Staff Correspondent

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, MP, issued a stern warning today stating that wood cannot be used as fuel in brick kilns under any circumstances to prevent severe environmental degradation and deforestation.

The Minister made these remarks during a crucial view-exchange meeting with the leaders of the Bangladesh Brick Manufacturing Owners Association (BBMOA) at the ministry's conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday.

The meeting was organized to discuss the environmental impact of the brick kiln industry, air quality management, and pollution control measures.

"Since a complete alternative to traditional bricks has not yet been fully established, our focus should be on how to minimize pollution from these kilns rather than shutting them down entirely," the Minister said. He emphasized the adoption of modern, eco-friendly technologies to reduce carbon emissions.

Also speaking at the meeting, State Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, MP, declared a zero-tolerance policy against illegal brick kilns. He noted that the use of low-grade coal with high sulfur content significantly contributes to air pollution. The State Minister stressed the urgent need to formulate a strict regulatory policy regarding the quality of coal used in the industry.

A high-level delegation from the BBMOA, led by its Central President Firoz Haider Khan and General Secretary Momin Ullah Khan, attended the meeting along with central advisors and vice-presidents from various districts. The association leaders placed their demands and proposals before the ministry.

The meeting was presided over by the Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Dr. Fahmida Khanum. Among others, Additional Secretary (Environmental Pollution Control and Law) Dr. Md. Saidur রহমান and Director General of the Department of Environment (DoE) Dr. Md. Luthfor Rahman were present.