'Shut tobacco dusting factory'

Speakers at a human chain in Kaliganj upazila on Tuesday demanded stopping of the illegal operation of a tobacco dusting factory in Taluk Baninagar village.  

School students, teachers, guardians and locals carrying anti-tobacco placards formed the human chain in front of Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer's (UNO) office .

They alleged that businessman Anwar Hossain Khokon has been illegally running a tobacco dusting factory beside Brac Shishu Niketon School for the last one year.

The factory owner was asked several times to shut the factory, but he did not pay any heed, they said, adding that it runs round the clock. 

 “Tobacco dust from the factory poses a serious health hazard,” said student Nuri Khatun.

Teacher Nazmunnahar Tithy said she cannot stay long in the school due to the dust. “If the factory continues operating, the school will have to be shifted from here,” she said.

“Our children are not safe in the school because of the factory,” said Amena Begum, a guardian.

 “The air is full of tobacco dust that enters our bodies, harming our health,” said Sekendar Ali of the area.

Factory owner Khokon said his factory is not responsible for polluting the environment as it is operated safely. It is not necessary to take approval certificate from the Department of Environment (DoE), he replied when asked about DoE's approval.

Rangpur DoE Deputy Director Mezbah Ul-Alam told this correspondent that nobody can run a tobacco dusting factory without approval of DoE. “The factory is run illegally and we will take legal action,” he said.

Kaliganj UNO Rabiul Islam said the factory owner was given a notice on Tuesday to show valid documents for running the factory within 10 days, otherwise legal action will be taken.

“Upazila administration will take necessary steps to save the school, education, human health and environment,” the UNO said.