DoE team attacked during drive against illegal kilns

A team of Department of Environment officials and law enforcers came under attack yesterday while conducting an operation against illegal brick kilns in the hilly areas of Paglir Aga, Yangcha and Chakaria under Faitong union in Lama upazila, Bandarban.

The attack took place around 1:00pm in the Pahartali area along the Chakaria–Manikpur road.

Md Nuruddin, inspector of the DoE, said the team was carrying out regular drives against illegal brick kilns when they were suddenly attacked.

"Seven BGB and police members were injured, and six of our vehicles, including those of the executive magistrate, police, BGB and the DoE, were vandalised," he said.

The special drive was led by Executive Magistrate Rezuan Ul Islam from the DoE's central office and included Major Hafiz, deputy commander of Alikadam Army Zone; Rubayet Ahmed, Lama Assistant Commissioner (Land); Tofazzal Hossain, OC of Lama Police Station; along with personnel from the army, police, BGB, fire service, and DoE.

Rubayet Ahmed said such drives will continue in line with the High Court's directives.