DHAKA, Aug 6, 2026 (BSS) - The Department of Environment (DoE) has collected liquid waste samples from discharge points into the Buriganga River as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent river pollution, conserve the environment and protect public health.

As part of the initiative, the Narayanganj District Office under the DoE's Dhaka Regional Office conducted inspections for the second consecutive day yesterday at industrial establishments in Siddhirganj and Fatullah areas of Narayanganj suspected of contributing to river pollution, an official release said today.

During the drive, officials visited Neat Concern Limited, Ibrahim Textile, Amzad Dyeing, Rider Thread and Accessories Limited and Friends Dyeing and Finishing Industries.

At Friends Dyeing and Finishing Industries, located in the WAPDA Pool area of Fatullah, officials inspected the factory's production activities and, in the presence of the factory representative, collected samples of liquid waste from a bypass drain.

The preliminary inspection found that the factory did not have environmental clearance and was carrying out production activities without an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP).

The collected samples have been sent to the Department of Environment's Dhaka laboratory for testing.

If the test results confirm environmental pollution, necessary legal action will be taken against the establishment concerned in accordance with the existing environmental laws and regulations.

On the same day, a joint drive was conducted by the Department of Environment's Monitoring and Enforcement Wing, Dhaka District Office, Dhaka Metropolitan Office, and Dhaka Research Laboratory.

During the operation, officials identified liquid waste discharge points into the Buriganga River and collected samples.

According to the Department of Environment, from January 2025 to July 2026, compensation amounting to Tk 2.92 crore was imposed on 103 industrial establishments and projects along the Buriganga River and its connecting canals for excessive liquid waste discharge, while Tk 96.60 lakh was realised during the same period.

Electricity connections of nine establishments operating without Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) were also disconnected.

The Department of Environment said such inspections, monitoring, and legal enforcement activities would continue regularly to prevent pollution of rivers and water bodies, conserve the environment and protect public health as part of implementing the Prime Minister's directive to keep the waterways around Dhaka navigable.