DHAKA, Oct 12, 2025 (BSS) - In a countrywide effort to protect the environment and control pollution, the Department of Environment (DoE) and the respective district administrations jointly conducted mobile court drives across several districts today.

In Natore, a team led by Executive Magistrate Md Rashedul Islam seized around 200 kgs of government-banned polythene shopping bags from a Bogura–Rajshahi bound bus of Jerin Paribahan in the Madrasah circle area.

A case was filed and fine amounting to Taka 2,000 was realized on the spot. The law enforcement team from Natore Sadar Police Station assisted in maintaining order during the operation.

In Bogura, Executive Magistrate Taswar Tanzamul Haque conducted a mobile court against illegal brick kilns at Chandihara in Shibganj upazila. 

During the drive, the M/S Elahi Box Brick Kiln was fined Taka 35,000 and the kiln owner was instructed to shift to producing eco-friendly block bricks or FAL-G bricks instead of burnt clay bricks.

In Lohagara upazila of Chattogram, Executive Magistrate Mong Echen led two separate mobile courts.

The first drive targeted vehicles using illegal hydraulic horns on the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar Highway, seizing four horns and realizing a total fine of Taka 4,000.

The second operation raided Abdul Kader’s polythene warehouse at Amirabad School Road, where 610 kg of banned polythene shopping bags were confiscated. 

The owner, Md. Abdul Kader, was sentenced to 15 days of imprisonment and fined Taka 20,000. Inspector Muhammad Moinuddin Faisal of the DoE, Chattogram acted as the prosecutor in both operations.

In Naogaon, a mobile court confiscated 17 kg of banned polythene and imposed Taka 1,000 as fine.

In Khulna, two separate mobile courts were conducted.

The first one, held at Pujakhola–Boyra area, fined a vehicle Taka 1,000 for emitting excessive black smoke, in violation of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (amended 2010).

The second drive, conducted under the project Integrated and Partnership-Based Approach to Noise Pollution Control seized 19 hydraulic horns from nine vehicles and collected Taka 9,500 in fines. Both operations were led by Executive Magistrate Momtaz Begum.

The Department of Environment reaffirmed its commitment to continue such drives regularly across the country to curb environmental pollution, prevent illegal polythene use, control air and noise pollution, and promote eco-friendly practices.