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'Akij Steel Factory' investigated over environmental pollution allegations
Published : Sunday, 6 September, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Observer Online Report
File Photo
State Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam has inspected the Akij Steel Factory in Gazaria, Munshiganj, over allegations of environmental pollution. In response to a question from local journalists on Sunday (September 6), he immediately went to inspect the factory.
During the inspection, the State Minister asked the factory's Cluster Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Asadul Haque Sufiani about the complaints of the locals. At that time, he could not give a satisfactory answer to the complaints.
Locals have alleged that the environment has been polluted due to the factory's activities for a long time. At the same time, there are also allegations of encroachment and filling of the Laxmipura Canal between Bhaberchar and Baushia against the factory authorities. Although the government is taking initiatives to free the rivers and canals from encroachment, there is anger among the locals over the issue as allegations of encroachment of the canal have been raised.
After the inspection, the State Minister said that production and industrialization are necessary for the development of the country. However, it must be environmentally friendly. There is no benefit of industrialization if the factory cannot be operated while protecting the environment. Industries must be operated by ensuring a safe environment for people and future generations.
He also said that it is difficult to sustain old technology-based industries without advanced technology. People are now much more aware of the environment. The matter will be looked into seriously as complaints have been received against Akij Steel Factory.
The State Minister said that the Director General (DG) of the Department of Environment and the Deputy Commissioner of Munshiganj have been instructed to investigate the matter.
When asked about the complaint about the filling of the Laxmipura canal, the State Minister said that he was not aware of the canal filling. He directed the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and Upazila Executive Officer to look into the matter and take necessary action.
At that time, Deputy Commissioner Syeda Nurmahal Ashrafi, Munshiganj Police Superintendent Md. Menhazul Alam, Gazaria Upazila Executive Officer Umme Hafsa Nadia, Munshiganj District BNP Convener Professor AKM Gias Uddin, District BNP Member Ishaq, District Jubo Dal Member Secretary Mozzamel Haque Munna and leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organizations.
-MAU/HIS
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
