In preparation for the winter season, several brick kilns in Raozan upazila of Chattogram are stockpiling large amounts of forest wood to use as fuel. Already, logs have been seen piled up in and around various kilns in the area, with some brick production activities already underway.
According to local sources, out of the 30 brick kilns in Raozan, around 20 are planning to use illegally sourced forest wood as their main fuel. These woods are reportedly being collected from reserved forests, social afforestation projects, and the nearby hilly areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
On-site visits revealed wood piles at kilns in areas such as Melua (Dabua Union), Charabot Tola (Ward 9 of Raozan Municipality), Kazi Para and Rashid Para (Raozan Sadar Union). Locals allege that a syndicate of illegal loggers is transporting felled trees daily using pickup trucks and jeeps from reserved forests straight to the kilns.
They also claimed that timber is being smuggled not only from Raozan but also from neighbouring forest areas in Fatikchhari, Hathazari, and hill areas of Kawkhali. These timber-laden vehicles use key routes like Shahid Zafar Road, Dost Mohammad Chowdhury Road, Gahira-Heyako Road, Hafez Bazlul Rahman Road, and the Chattogram-Rangamati highway—reportedly paying illegal tolls along the way.
Despite knowing about these activities, officials from both the administration and forest department are allegedly turning a blind eye. As a result, forests in Raozan and surrounding areas are being rapidly depleted.
In 2024, the Department of Environment demolished four illegal brick kilns in Melua, Dabua Union. One of them—BBC Brick Kiln—resumed operations shortly after. The owner has now installed a 120-foot tall local-style chimney and is preparing to begin large-scale production once again.
Shahabuddin, manager of BBC Brick Kiln, stated that the kiln is owned by Syed Hossain Company. Instead of coal, wood collected from the forest will be used as fuel at this kiln. He said, "Nine hundred thousand bricks will be fired at once. Last year, nearly 6.3 million bricks were sold over eight rounds."
It is reported that nearly 20 of Raozan’s 30 kilns have no valid licences or environmental clearances. Yet, influential owners continue operating them openly.
Raozan Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land), Aungching Marma, stated, “No illegal brick kiln or wood-burning operation that harms the environment will be spared. Mobile court drives will be carried out soon.”
