In compliance with directives from the Ministry of Environment, a demolition drive was carried out on Monday in the Bhawanipur Beat area of the Bhawal Range, Gazipur.

The operation, led by the Divisional Forest Officer of the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division, Dhaka, resulted in the demolition of 120 illegal structures, including buildings and shops, and the reclamation of 1.95 acres of protected forest land in Bhawanipur Mouza, said a media release.

At the same time, mobile courts were operated in four districts under an initiative by the Department of Environment, supported by local district administrations.

These courts focused on enforcing bans on polythene shopping bags and tackling noise pollution.

In Jashore’s Chaugaachha Market, 66 kilograms of polythene were seized from Sattar Store and a fine of Tk 5,000 was imposed.

Two drown as boat capsizes in Gazipur water body

In Chandpur, an anti-noise pollution drive near the Circuit House led to the seizure of five hydraulic horns from three vehicles, with a fine of Tk 2,500 collected.

In Tomsom bridge area of Cumilla, around 100 kilograms of polythene were confiscated from two shops, resulting in fines totaling Tk 30,000.

Meanwhile, in Narayanganj’s Wapda Pool area, 18 kilograms of polythene were seized from three shops, leading to a Tk 7,000 fine.

Authorities have said that such operations—aimed at reclaiming forest land, protecting the environment, and controlling pollution—will continue across the country.