The Bangladesh Brick Manufacturers Association (Sadar Upazila Branch) has submitted a memorandum to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) in Nilphamari, demanding the implementation of seven-point demands.
On Tuesday, March 4, at noon, a delegation led by the association’s district vice-president, Syed Rakib Hasan Mishuk, and general secretary, Harun-or-Rashid, submitted the memorandum to Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam. Several other members of the organization, including Akched Ali and Babu, were also present.
The memorandum outlined several demands, including a ban on harassment or mobile court actions against zigzag brick kilns. It also stated that if the government intends to shut down these kilns, it must provide financial compensation. The requirement to obtain certification from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) for soil excavation should be abolished, and brick kilns should be officially recognized as an industry. Additionally, a comprehensive long-term policy should be formulated for the sector.
Syed Rakib Hasan Mishuk, vice-president of the district unit of the Brick Manufacturers Association, emphasized that around 1,500 workers rely on these brick kilns for their livelihood. He pointed out that these kilns have been operating for 40 years, with owners paying approximately 2 million BDT annually in revenue for customs VAT, land rent, BSTI certification, fire service licenses, labor department licenses, and trade licenses. He also mentioned that many owners have bank loans for operational costs. If the kilns are shut down, both owners and workers will face severe financial hardship.
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