The environment ministry during the rule of the previous government banned import of coal containing over one percent sulphur to protect the environment. But the traders were importing coal having nearly two percent sulphur content following a stay of the order for two years.

Recently when the coal traders went to the ministry for renewing their permission, they were informed that import of coal with excessive sulphur content would not be allowed after June 30 of the current year.

Commerce ministry sources said coal containing excessive sulphur content is harmful to environment.

Local coal traders said if import of coal is stopped, more firewood will be needed for brick kilns, resulting in increased felling of trees, which is a threat to environment.

President of Sylhet Coal Importers Group Abdal Miah said the government decision to stop import of Indian coal will be harmful to all.

If coal with only one percent sulphur content is to be imported from elsewhere, it will have to be done by sea route and this will render the land ports idle, he added.

Customs sources said the country earns over Tk 100 crore revenue from coal import through the land ports every year.

More than 7,000 tons of coal is imported through Barachhara, Tamabil and Sutarkandi land ports on an average per day.

Besides the brick fields and steel mills depend on imported coal.