Kushtia, Aug. 31 -- By day, the banks of the Padma River near Sadipur Boat Ghat in Kumarkhali appear almost deserted, with stacks of old batteries hidden under green tarpaulins.

But after dark, the scenario changes.

Workers gather at an illegal battery recycling plant in the brick kiln area of Delwar Hossain in Charsadipur Union. Hundreds of old lead-acid batteries are dismantled there, while coal and wood are burnt to extract lead, releasing toxic smoke into the surrounding air.

The plant, located on the northern bank of the Padma in Kushtia, has reportedly been operating for around one and a half months.Workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a man named Monir Hossain from Pabna owns the plant. They said he has been runnin...