Shailkupa Juba League (JL) leader and former vice-chairman of the upazila Shamim Hossain Mollah along with his father, a Union Parishad (UP) chairman Sabder Hossain Mollah of Baroipara village in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah allegedly set up brick kilns and dug pond in the Kumar River.
Not only that the duo has been using the river soil and sand for manufacturing bricks in the kilns for years together. But the local administration was not informed of the matter when the activities were running for last couple of years there.
A number of locals requesting not to be identified said both Shamim Hossain Mollah and his father, Umedpdur UP chairman Sabder Hossain Mollah of Baroipara village are widely known for their influence in the local politics under the shade of ruling party, had allegedly set up brick kilns and dug pond in the River Kumar. They have been using the river soil and sand for manufacturing bricks in the kilns after the protest of the locals as the kiln was polluting the environment in the surrounding houses in the densely populated river bank for years together. They said the Mollah had allegedly occupied about 30 bighas of land at village Garakhola - Moheshpuur area of the upazila to set up their Shela Bricks. The brick kiln was set at the adjacent area of the village. The pond in the river is used for fish production. They have also occupied the croplands and dumping soil at the kilns from the river beds at a regular basis. The black smoke originated from the brick kiln has been affecting them round the clock.
Not only that the Mollahs have been cutting soil from the government road in the area for brick manufacturing without any bar. The locals face troubles to use the river water as there was brick kiln on the way, the local alleged.
Juba League leader Shamim Hossain Mollah when contacted said they did not dig the pond occupying the river. Further, no one had protested their activities in last couple of years. They were ready to face the challenges, Mollah said.
Upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) in Shailkupa Mehedi Islam when contacted for his comments said he was informed the matter. He will take necessary steps if someone digs pond in the river and set up brick kiln there illegally.