Published: 12:37 AM, 16 October 2026
DoE conducts pollution monitoring at four industries in Tongi
The Department of Environment (DoE) conducted a scheduled monitoring and enforcement operation in Tongi, Gazipur, on Thursday to strengthen pollution control measures along the Turag and Buriganga rivers, inspecting four industrial establishments and collecting wastewater samples for laboratory analysis.
The operation was carried out under a month-long, roster-based monitoring and enforcement programme initiated in line with directives from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to curb industrial pollution and protect the environment of rivers surrounding Dhaka.
The Central Cell for Environmental Protection of Rivers Surrounding Dhaka was established on August 18, 2026, under the leadership of ABM AbdusSattar, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office. A subcommittee headed by the Director General of the Department of Environment was subsequently formed under the central cell to oversee activities within its mandate.
During Thursday's operation, the enforcement team inspected four industrial establishments in Tongi: Beximco Pharmaceuticals PLC, SKF Pharmaceuticals PLC, Tamishna Group and Orbit Processing Mills Private Limited.
The inspection focused on wastewater treatment facilities, including Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), and the overall environmental management practices of the establishments. The authorities issued instructions to ensure proper wastewater treatment and compliance with applicable environmental requirements.
Wastewater samples were collected from all four establishments for subsequent laboratory analysis to assess their quality and determine whether further regulatory action may be warranted. Notices were also served on the establishments to ensure proper environmental management and compliance with relevant requirements.
The operation was conducted in the presence of Md. Rezwan-ul-Islam, Executive Magistrate of the Department of Environment, along with representatives of the Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Bangladesh River Police, the DoE's Dhaka District Office and the DoE's Dhaka Laboratory Office.
The month-long monitoring and enforcement campaign will continue on a roster basis in accordance with the directives of the Prime Minister's Office, with a particular focus on controlling pollution in the Turag and Buriganga rivers.
The initiative underscores the authorities' ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental oversight of industrial establishments and protect the river systems surrounding the capital.
