The Department of Environment (DoE) has issued final notices to 2,046 factories in Dhaka and surrounding districts, demanding continuous operation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) to curb river pollution.

Between 13 and 22 February 2025, factories in Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Narsingdi received warnings that targeted pollution in the Buriganga, Shitalakkhya, Turag, and Balu rivers. The DoE said many industries either fail to install ETPs or do not run them regularly, allowing untreated waste to flow into waterways.

Under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (amended 2010) and Environment Conservation Rules, 2023, industries discharging liquid waste must operate ETPs, while those releasing sewage require Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).

The DoE warned that non-compliance would lead to strict legal action.