Despite the government’s declaration of Savar upazila as a “degraded airshed”, brick kilns in the area continue operating openly, raising serious concerns over air pollution in Dhaka.
The move, intended to protect the capital’s northern entry points, appears to have little effect on kiln owners, who are finding ways to circumvent official orders.
On 17 August 2025, the government formally designated the entire Savar upazila as a “degraded air shed” under the Air Pollution (Control) Rules, 2022, explicitly banning all brick-burning and brick-manufacturing activities.
The decision followed mounting evidence that emissions from kilns in Savar significantly worsened air quality in Dhaka, especially during the dry season, posing grave health risks to the city’s densely populated residents.
Yet, local residents and environmental activists report that many brick kiln owners treat the government’s circular as mere paperwork. Although authorities demolished chimneys of several kilns late last year, many have been rebuilt and resumed operations.
According to the latest data up to June 2025, Savar hosts 86 brick kilns, including 59 licensed and 27 unlicensed facilities.
