By day, the banks of the Padma River near Sadipur Boat Ghat in Kumarkhali appear almost deserted, with stacks of old batteries hidden under green tarpaulins.

But after dark, the scenario changes.

Workers gather at an illegal battery recycling plant in the brick kiln area of Delwar Hossain in Charsadipur Union. Hundreds of old lead-acid batteries are dismantled there, while coal and wood are burnt to extract lead, releasing toxic smoke into the surrounding air.

The plant, located on the northern bank of the Padma in Kushtia, has reportedly been operating for around one and a half months.Workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a man named Monir Hossain from Pabna owns the plant. They said he has been running the operation with the help of local influential people.

Local residents fear the unplanned and unsafe recycling process could cause serious damage to the environment and public health.

Lead-containing smoke, contaminated dust and chemicals from the plant can mix with soil, water and air, polluting the surrounding area. Farmers are particularly worried as hundreds of bighas of agricultural land along the riverbank are used to grow crops.

The plant reportedly remains inactive during the day and becomes busy late at night.

A local farmer, wishing to remain anonymous, said trucks loaded with old batteries arrive after 11:30pm. The workers then start burning the batteries around midnight.

He alleged that the plant is operating under the protection of Charsadipur Union BNP organising secretary Hafizur Rahman Tikka and BNP activists Jalal and Hazrat.

“If immediate action is not taken, crops including bananas and vegetables grown along the riverbank will be damaged,” he said.

However, Tikka denied the allegation.

“I do not know what they are doing. I am not involved in this. You should talk to Monir,” he said.

Charsadipur Union BNP general secretary Golam Azam also denied any involvement of BNP leaders or activists in the plant.

He said Chhatra Dal leaders and activists drove the workers away from the site around 15 days ago.

“I do not know whether the plant is operating now,” he said.

Monir Hossain, the alleged owner, admitted that batteries were being burnt and lead extracted at the site.

“The plant has been running for about one and a half months by managing everyone concerned,” he said over the phone.

He claimed, however, that the operation was not profitable and that work had to be suspended on many days because of strong winds.

Kushtia Environment Department Assistant Director (Senior Chemist) Habibul Basar said batteries contain sulphuric acid and other hazardous substances.

“Breaking open batteries and extracting lead increases the level of lead in the air, which is very harmful to the environment and soil,” he said.

Locals said the authorities have yet to take effective action despite the plant having operated for nearly two months.

Kumarkhali Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Navid Sarwar said the administration would conduct a raid on the illegal battery recycling plant soon.

Meanwhile, farmers living near the Padma remain concerned that continued burning of batteries could contaminate their land and water and threaten their crops.