Dhaka chokes as Savar brick kilns defy shutdown

Despite the government’s declaration of Savar upazila as a “degraded airshed”, brick kilns in the area continue operating openly, raising serious concerns over air pollution in Dhaka. 

The move, intended to protect the capital’s northern entry points, appears to have little effect on kiln owners, who are finding ways to circumvent official orders. 

On 17 August 2025, the government formally designated the entire Savar upazila as a “degraded air shed” under the Air Pollution (Control) Rules, 2022, explicitly banning all brick-burning and brick-manufacturing activities. 

According to the latest data up to June 2025, Savar hosts 86 brick kilns, including 59 licensed and 27 unlicensed facilities. 

In the Turag River area near Ashulia Bazar, brick burning remains widespread. 

When contacted, Ashulia Bricks manager Md Madhu Mia defended the operation, saying, “The government has done its job and we are doing ours. We have already spent a lot of money on labour and other sectors. If we shut down the kiln, recovering that investment would be impossible. That’s why we were compelled to continue. We have communicated with various parties and they assured us.” 

At MCB Bricks, no owner or authority could be reached, and workers declined to provide details. One anonymous worker explained, “We are working under seasonal contracts. Sometimes officials come, but if payments are made, they leave without taking action. That’s how the kiln keeps running.” 

Visits to Genda and Sadhapur areas, adjacent to Savar, revealed that several kilns have displayed large signboards citing High Court orders, which prohibit authorities from obstructing operations based on writ petitions filed by owners. 

Some kiln owners claimed they obtained court permission to continue operations, despite lacking environmental clearance or a valid licence.  Along the Dhaka-Aricha highway in Aminbazar, kilns including Roni Bricks were also observed operating. Mohammad Munsur Ali, the owner of one such kiln, admitted, “To avoid harassment from the DoE and local administration, I filed a writ in the High Court seeking four months’ permission to operate. The court granted it, so I have continued operations.” 

Ferdous Anwar, Regional Director of the Department of Environment (Dhaka region), acknowledged the ongoing challenges. 

“Enforcement drives against brick kilns in Savar have continued since the degraded air shed declaration. Action will be taken again against kilns that are still operating,” he said. 

Regarding writ petitions, he added, “We are addressing the issue legally for those kiln owners who have obtained court orders to continue operations.”