Due to severe air pollution, the government has declared Savar Upazila in Dhaka district a “Degraded Air shed.” As a result, all brick kiln production in Savar will be suspended starting September 2025.
Dr Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment, issued a circular on Sunday (17 August) regarding the matter.
The circular stated that the annual average air pollution level in Savar is nearly three times higher than the national standard. During the dry season, winds from the northwest and northeast carry Savar’s pollution into Dhaka, posing serious health risks to city residents.
Following this declaration, all brick kilns except tunnel and hybrid Hoffman kilns will be prohibited from firing and manufacturing bricks. Open burning of solid waste and issuing environmental or locational clearance for new polluting industries have also been banned.
The government expects these measures to effectively control air pollution in both Savar and Dhaka and safeguard public health.