Environmental Pollution by Brick Kiln in Bangladesh: An Analysis of the Existing Legal Framework

Abstract

Bangladesh has ensured its place as the fourth largest brick making country in the world. There are approximately 7000-7200 brick kilns across the country where around one million people are directly or indirectly working. Every year around 23-32.4 billion bricks are produced in Bangladesh which is worth 1% of the national gross domestic product. Besides, brick kilns are regarded as one of the main sources of environmental pollution as they produce ample carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and suspended particulate matter (SPM) that push human being suffering various diseases i.e. heart dysfunction, cancer in the lung, respiratory infection, etc. Brick kilns are the principal air polluters in the divisional cities of the country (especially in the dry season) and the brick kilns are badly damaging the ecological balance in Bangladesh. The impacts of brick kilns, however, may vary from sector to sector. Neither are any significant or effective actions taken regarding these issues and the prevailing environmental laws in Bangladesh are not adequate enough to address these problems properly. The paper aims to determine the causes of pollution by the brick kilns and their impacts on the environment and livelihood; to scrutinize the prevailing related laws and policies and to conclude with recommendations to stop pollution caused by the brick kilns. The paper makes use of secondary data i.e. books, articles, national and international law reports, Acts, etc.