Environment Minister Assures Support for Farmers Affected by Cumilla EPZ Waste Pollution

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has assured full support for farmers affected by toxic waste from the Cumilla Export Processing Zone (EPZ), stating that compensation must be ensured for the victims.

Speaking at a discussion meeting with affected farmers at Bijoypur Women’s College ground in Cumilla Sadar on Sunday, the minister said he would directly raise the issue with the Prime Minister and, if necessary, pursue legal action to ensure justice for the victims.

“I saw the condition of the Guningajuri canal, and it made me deeply concerned. This is not how the environment should be. I will personally discuss the matter with EPZ authorities within this week,” he said.

He added that environmental protection and industrial development must go hand in hand. “EPZs are necessary, but a clean and safe environment is equally important. We cannot allow industrial waste to damage human life and nature,” the minister said.

Assuring strict oversight, he said the responsibility of protecting local water bodies and preventing pollution falls under his ministry. “I will perform my duties properly. If I fail, people can even stop my vehicle on the road,” he added.

Cumilla-6 MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury attended the event as a special guest. Leaders from BNP’s Cumilla city and district units, including Udbatul Bari Abu, Amiruzzaman Bhuiyan, Mostafa Zaman, Advocate Akhtar Hossain, and Faruk Chowdhury, were also present along with affected farmers.

Local farmers at the meeting demanded immediate compensation and urgent steps to stop environmental pollution caused by industrial waste from the EPZ.