A mobile court in Vedarganj upazila of Shariatpur demolished an illegal lead production factory on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, following allegations of severe environmental damage. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate K.M. Rafsan Rabbi, took place in the Mahishkandi area of Ramvadrpur Union and lasted several hours. Officials from the Department of Environment, Fire Service, and local police participated in the raid, during which the entire factory was destroyed using an excavator.

According to the mobile court, a group had been illegally collecting old batteries from various parts of the country, burning them to extract lead, and selling it to different businesses without any license or approval. Local residents complained that toxic smoke and waste from the factory had severely polluted the environment, causing illness and death among livestock. Authorities had previously fined and ordered the factory to shut down, but operations resumed secretly at night.

Officials stated that lead pollution poses a serious threat to public health, agriculture, and livestock, and assured that strict action against such illegal factories will continue. The demolition brought relief to local residents, who expressed hope for continued enforcement against environmental violations.