Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 30, 2026 (BSS) -  A memorandum has been submitted demanding a halt to the illegal burning of old batteries for lead production and recycling, to protect the life-nature, environment and public health in Rajshahi.

Today, a delegation on behalf of the large alliance of youth, environmentalist, volunteer, social and cultural organizations of the Barind region — Barendra Youth Forum and Green Coalition — submitted this memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Kazi Shahidul Islam.

During the meeting with the Deputy Commissioner at the time of submitting the memorandum, a call was made to take immediate effective steps to protect the ponds, dighis, water bodies and reservoirs of Rajshahi, along with the mentioned 5-point demands to stop lead pollution for the protection of Rajshahi's life-nature, environment and public health.
 
It has been stated in the memorandum that lead is being illegally produced and recycled by burning old batteries, which is extremely dangerous for the environment and public health.

During the burning of batteries, toxic black smoke with a pungent, acrid smell is produced. As a result, environmental pollution and severe health risks are created.
As tiny particles of lead mix into the air, the level of lead in the human body increases drastically. This can cause breathing difficulties, pneumonia, kidney complications, anaemia and even cancer. 

In addition, soil, water and air are polluted. Croplands are damaged and livestock and biodiversity die.
 
It has been stated in the memorandum that although this is completely prohibited under the existing environmental laws and policies of Bangladesh, such factories are being operated illegally in various places across the country including Rajshahi, against which the administration occasionally conducts drives to shut them down.
 
In the memorandum, a 5-point demand has been made to stop the illegal burning of old batteries for lead production and recycling in Rajshahi and across the country.
 
In addition, separate memorandums have been sent to the Divisional Commissioner of Rajshahi Yusuf Ali, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment Tasmina Khatun, and Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Paba, Ibnul Abedin.
 
Present at the time were Barendra Youth Forum President Atiqur Rahman, General Secretary Poly Rani, Amar Bangla Tarun Sangha President Tahmid Zaki, Swachhalata Association President Ihteshamul Alam Zoha, Green Coalition Rajshahi members Miratuz Jahan Mili, Rakib Hasan Bappi, Sumaiya Khatun and others.