A battery plant operates next to a primary school in Narsingdi. Its smoke has turned lessons into a daily health risk

Every day, pupils at Purandia Government Primary School in Narsingdi's Shibpur Upazila arrive for lessons only to find the air thick with smoke.

Next to the school's boundary wall stands a battery manufacturing plant operated by Asia Car BD Limited. Inside the factory, old batteries are broken apart and burnt to extract lead, releasing toxic fumes that drift into classrooms and nearby homes.

Students complain of burning eyes and difficulty breathing. Teachers say lessons are often disrupted as the smoke spreads across the school grounds.

“Toxic fumes frequently engulfs the entire school,” said Sajib Mia, an assistant teacher. 

“Teachers and students are facing serious health risks. Many children can’t breathe properly. Some teachers and students have already developed breathing problems, and others are suffering from eye irritation.”

The school is located in the Purandia Bus Stand area of Putia Union, a densely populated neighbourhood where thousands of people live and work. Despite the presence of homes, shops and a primary school, battery-burning operations continue just metres away.

Parents say the pollution has become unbearable. 

Aliullah, whose child studies at the school, said the burning of old batteries produces thick black smoke and a strong stench that hangs over the area. 

“It’s poisoning the environment and daily life here. Our children and the local community are at serious risk. We want the Upazila administration to step in.”

Local traders say the impact goes beyond health concerns. Amir Hossain, who runs a shop at the nearby market, said tin roofs of surrounding buildings have rusted badly because of the fumes. 

Health officials warn that factory smoke poses a particular danger to children. Shibpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Mohammad Mostanshir Billah said inhaling polluted air — whether visible or not — can lead to respiratory problems in people of all ages. For children, the risks are much greater, according to him.

School authorities say they have repeatedly raised the issue. Headteacher Nadira Afroze said written complaints had been sent to the relevant departments and that local residents had organised human chains in protest. “But the factory is still operating,” she said.

When reporters tried to visit the factory, they were prevented from entering. Contacted later by phone, a company official named Roni said steps would be taken to reduce the smoke.

Local administrators say action is being considered. Shibpur Upazila administrator (UNO) Farzana Yasmin said discussions are under way with the district environment department. 

“Necessary measures will be taken after discussions with environment department officials,” she added. 

Md Badrul Huda, deputy director of the Department of Environment, said officials had been sent to investigate which factory was responsible for the pollution and whether it had the required permits.

“Legal action will be taken accordingly,” he said.