False allegations against LafargeHolcim triggers outrage among local residents

Sylhet Bureau :

Multinational cement company LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC is one of the business hubs in the industrial city of Chhatak. Many individuals and families of Chhatak are directly and indirectly involved with this company through business and employment.
On the other hand, an individual named Aynul Ahmed from Noarai Union of Chhatak is trying to create confusion among the administration, courts and the public by filing false and fabricated allegations against this multinational cement company and looting personal benefits. This has created strong reactions in various quarters of Chhatak.
The reporter spoke to many people including Mizanur Rahman, Joynal Abedin and Faizur Rahman, owners of various business establishments in Chhatak. They alleged, “Aynul is trying to profit himself by creating various artificial issues. He has opened a private development organization. The organization has no office. There is only a letter head. His only job is to file false complaints in the name of the company in various government and private offices using the signboard of this illustrious organization and try to get work done.”
Regarding Aynul’s organization ‘Nagorik Paribishe O Yuba Kalyan Sangstha’, the locals further said that this organization has no connection with youth welfare or environmental work. Apart from spreading propaganda against LafargeHolcim and disrupting the company’s work, Aynul’s organization has never been seen actively participating in any work. In 2018, Aynul, under the banner of his organization, accused LafargeHolcim of damaging the environment by mining air, water and soil. In response to his application, the High Court formed a three-member investigation committee comprising representatives of the district administration and the Department of Environment. The investigation committee visited the area on site and found no truth to Aynul’s allegations. However, the investigation committee made some recommendations to LafargeHolcim, including installing additional dust collectors. LafargeHolcim implemented all those recommendations and submitted a report to the Department of Environment.
Lafarge collects soil through local contractors every few years, without the permission of the District Administrator. It is noteworthy that whenever LafargeHolcim takes the initiative to collect soil, Aynul tries to harass the company by approaching the administration and the court. At the same time, he secretly tries to get orders for soil supply from the company. He did this in 2021 and 2023 as well. He is currently running around in a similar manner in 2026.
When asked about the case, Akhlus Mia of the same area said, “The case filed by Aynul has no basis. LafargeHolcim has permission to collect soil from unclaimed land in Chhatak. This activity is conducted very smoothly by ensuring all the rules and strict supervision. Local businessmen and landowners of the area are largely dependent on this soil collection.
During this time, many people are employed and the locals earn Tk 30 to 35 crore. Despite not having the necessary qualifications and experience, Aynul wants to control this business through tactics and by putting pressure on the company. He filed this case after failing to achieve personal interests by coming to the field at different times and creating fear among the workers of various contracting companies and putting pressure on the company.” The case filed in 2018 was suddenly reopened in 2026. When asked, a local businessman who did not want to be named said, “This time, Aynul asked Lafarge for a contract to supply 5 lakh tons of soil. After not getting that work, he reactivated this false case.”
On-site inspection, talking to local residents and farmers did not confirm the allegations made by Aynul.
Abdur Rahim, a farmer from Tenggargaon, is giving soil from his land through a contractor this year. He said, “I have never seen any crops growing on the lands from which soil is being collected. These lands lie fallow for years. They are of no use to us. They are under water for 6-7 months of the year. They are either Aman or Boro. It is possible to make the soil cultivable by cutting a little lower from these lands, which requires us to spend a lot of money. Therefore, we are waiting for Lafarge’s soil collection initiative. Instead of spending money on Lafarge soil, we earn money on one hand, and we can cultivate Boro on that land next year. Through this program, many uncultivated lands have now become cultivable. Lafarge’s soil cutting is a blessing for the farmers.”
Talking to the locals, it is also known that Mizanur Rahman of Noarai Union has built an exceptional agricultural farm on his land by supplying soil from Lafarge in the last 15-20 years. His self-sufficient farm is used for fish farming, boro farming, and a duck farm all year round. He has created a sensation in the area by creating a way to earn income from this uncultivated land. Seeing this, many people in the area are becoming interested in adopting this method.
When contacted, LafargeHolcim, the company’s Head of Communications Touhidul Islam said that LafargeHolcim respects the law and conducts business by adhering to all applicable laws. For the past two and a half decades, the company has been operating this world-class factory in Chhat in an environmentally friendly manner, maintaining good relations with the local community.
The locals have expressed great annoyance at Aynul’s activities and fear that local businessmen may be affected by his rash actions.
When contacted about the complaint, Aynul said,I filed a complaint on behalf of the local residents regarding environmental pollution prevention, illegal cutting of agricultural land, and air pollution prevention.