Stop 6 brick kilns in Khulna: HC

The High Court yesterday directed the authorities concerned to immediately stop construction of six brick kilns in Dumuria upazila of Khulna for the next six months.
It also issued a rule upon the authorities concerned and the brick kilns owners to explain in four weeks why their constructions should not be declared illegal.
The court came up with the rule and order following a writ petition filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela) on Saturday.
The petition said Mostafa Rashidi Suza, former Awami League lawmaker from Khulna, and his brother SM Moazzem Rashidi, have been constructing the six brick kilns on 61 acres of land in Telikhali Mouza of the upazila without taking environmental clearance certificate.
Quoting the petition, Iqbal Kabir Lytton, the lawyer for Bela, told The Daily Star that as per the relevant rules, a brick kiln has to be constructed on only 1.5 acres of land, but the two have started constructing six brick kilns on 61 acres of land illegally. If the brick kilns are constructed, it will damage huge quantity of agricultural land and environment, he said.
The HC ordered the deputy commissioner and SP of Khulna and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Dumuria to ensure the execution of its order.