DHAKA, July 15, 2026 (PR) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, MP, has issued a stern warning that wood must not be used as fuel in brick kilns under any circumstances. He also emphasized the need to reduce pollution through the adoption of cleaner and modern technologies rather than shutting down the brick-making industry.
The minister made the remarks at a meeting with representatives of the Bangladesh Bricks Manufacturing Owners Association (BBMOA) held at the conference room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting focused on the environmental impacts of brick kilns, air quality management, and measures to control pollution.
Mintoo said that although a complete alternative to conventional bricks has yet to be developed, the priority should be to minimize pollution from brick kilns by introducing advanced and environmentally friendly technologies instead of closing the industry.
He also warned that the use of topsoil for brick production is degrading agricultural land and reducing soil fertility, resulting in a steady decline in cultivable land. He stressed the need to explore alternative raw materials and production methods to protect farmland.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, MP, said there would be no leniency toward illegal brick kilns. He noted that the use of high-sulphur coal significantly contributes to environmental pollution and called for the formulation of quality standards and regulations governing coal used in brick kilns.
The meeting was attended by a delegation of the Bangladesh Bricks Manufacturing Owners Association, led by its President Firoz Haider Khan and Secretary General Momin Ullah Khan, along with advisers and vice-presidents from different districts. Association leaders presented several proposals and demands related to the industry.
Discussions emphasized the adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies for brick production to reduce air pollution while ensuring the industry’s continued operation. The ministry assured participants that their reasonable proposals would be taken into consideration.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Fahmida Khanam, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Also present were Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman, Additional Secretary (Pollution Control and Law Wing), Dr. Md. Lutfor Rahman, Director General of the Department of Environment, the Additional Director General, and other senior officials of the ministry and the department.
