Pabna’s Chatmohar Upazila administration on Thursday afternoon raided and closed an unauthorized lead factory. A generator and wind machine were seized at the time, but the factory owner was not found.
It is learned that the temporary illegal lead factory was set up on the banks of the Kata Gang flowing through the Beel on the west side of Nimaichara village on the Chatmohar-Handial road in Pabna. Most of the places along the river have been submerged in rain water, so no human movements are seen anywhere there.
Abdur Rashid, a man from Maricha Para village under Bera Police Station in Pabna, set up the lead factory on a secluded hilltop west of Chatmohar-Handial road.
Visiting the place on Wednesday, temporary tents were seen on the banks of the river. There were two stoves next to the tent. Lead making materials and tools were scattered here and there. Fifty nine new lead bars weighing about 2,000 kg and lead burning coal were kept hidden on two places near the tents.
In this regard owner Abdur Rashid said, “I did not know that it is an illegal business.” He could not show clearance from the Department of Environment or any valid paperwork related to this business.
Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saikat Islam conducted the drive on Thursday, after receiving information that an illegal lead factory had been set up on the banks of the Kata Gang. Officer in Charge of the police station assisted him during the raid.
Saikat Islam said the temporary lead factory has been closed. A generator and a wind machine were seized from there. No lead bar or the owner of the factory was found during the operation. Necessary legal action will be taken in this regard.