16 factories illegally recycling lead, aluminium demolished in Demra, 13 jailed

Department of Environment (DoE) today demolished 16 factories that were illegally recycling lead and aluminium and jailed 13 people in this connection at Konapara of Demra in the capital. 

A team of DoE led by Syed Ahmed Kabir, deputy director (enforcement) of Dhaka Metro, conducted a day-long drive in Konapara after allegation from locals that the factories were being run at night and smoke from the factories has been deteriorating the air quality in the area.

Syed Ahmed Kabir told The Daily Star the factories have been in operation for a few years without obtaining necessary clearance from the DoE and have been melting expired batteries which produce toxic smoke posing serious health threat to locals.

"We demolished 16 factories today and DoE mobile court sent 13 people, who were involved in operating the facilities, to jail," he added.