Forty-five brick kilns in the district are running illegally, much to the problem for adjacent residential areas, schools and farmlands.

Only five of 50 brick kilns in seven upazilas of the district have got no objection certificate (NOC) from the Directorate of Environment (DoE) while the others, including 17 in Sadar upazila, 18 in Faitong union of Lama upazila, five in Alikadom, three in Naikkhongchhari and two in Ruma upazila are running without any valid license or legal papers, DoE sources said.

The owners of these brick kilns have not even taken any permission from the respective upazila, union parishad and municipality authorities for the purpose.

The brick kilns set up in residential areas, on agricultural lands, even beside schools, are posing serious health hazards and pollut-

ing environment. Instead of environment friendly chimneys, they are using small chimneys and burning forest wood for baking bricks.

Md Islam, a local BNP leader, has built a brick kiln named ABC Bricks on an arable land, also within 25 feet from Goungguru Khyangpara Primary School in Sadar upazila, defying law and ignoring protest from the students, teachers and locals.

It is very difficult to stay

in the classroom due to smoke from the brick kiln, and the noise and dust from the heavy trucks coming there, said several students and teachers of the school during this correspondent's visit to the area.

"We the teachers and local people drew the attention of local administration to stop the adjoining brick kiln but no action has been taken yet," said Jobeda Begum, headmistress of the school.

While visiting ABC Brick Kiln on Sunday afternoon, two correspondents were attacked by the laborers of the company.

Denying the allegations against him, Md Islam said, "I have already managed the district administration office. If you have any query you can talk with them."

Bandarban Deputy Commissioner KM Tariqul Islam admitted that there are several illegal brick kilns in the district.

"We formed an investigation committee. The district administration will take steps against the brick kiln owners who will be found guilty after inquiry," hesaid.

On Monday, journalists of the district formed a human chain in front of Bandarban Press Club, demanding punishment of Md Islam, owner of ABC Bricks, for harassing journalists.

They also demanded stopping operation of the illegal brick kilns in the district.