The Growing Crisis of Noise Pollution in Dhaka
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is facing a severe and often overlooked crisis: noise pollution. This invisible threat has become a constant source of distress for its residents, affecting their health and quality of life. Despite awareness campaigns and government regulations, the problem continues to worsen due to a lack of enforcement and public understanding.
The primary sources of noise pollution in Dhaka include loudspeakers, hydraulic horns, construction activities, factory operations, and generators. These sounds are present throughout the day and night, creating an environment where people are constantly exposed to harmful levels of noise. Unfortunately, many citizens remain unaware of the long-term health effects associated with prolonged exposure to high noise levels, such as hearing loss, stress, and sleep disturbances.
The Ineffectiveness of Existing Regulations
Although the government has introduced measures to control noise pollution, the results on the ground have been disappointing. For instance, the area surrounding Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was declared a "Silent Zone," but this designation has not led to any meaningful change. Similarly, other designated silent zones across the country, including those in Dhaka, have failed to meet their intended purpose.
A recent study conducted by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) at Stamford University revealed that no silent zones in Bangladesh were effectively enforced. The study, which ran from April 2021 to March 2022, measured noise levels across ten locations in Dhaka. The findings showed that noise pollution exceeded acceptable limits in every area surveyed, with excessive noise recorded 96.7% of the time in designated quiet zones and 83.2% in mixed-use areas.
Despite the existence of the Noise Pollution Control Rules of 2006, which set permissible noise levels at 45 decibels at night and 55 during the day in residential areas, these regulations are not being properly enforced. As a result, noise levels in many parts of the city consistently exceed safe thresholds, posing a serious risk to public health.
New Measures to Combat Noise Pollution
In response to the growing concern, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has proposed amendments to the Sound Pollution Control Rules of 2006. The draft of the new Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025, includes stricter penalties for violations and additional restrictions to curb noise pollution.
Under the revised rules, the maximum penalty for causing noise pollution would increase from one month imprisonment or a fine of Tk 10,000 to more severe consequences. Violations related to unauthorized use of loudspeakers, firecrackers, or failure to follow noise regulations at construction sites and factories could lead to up to one month imprisonment, fines up to Tk 50,000, or both per offense.
Specific violations related to vehicle horns may attract up to one month imprisonment, a fine up to Tk 20,000, or both per incident. Manufacturing, importing, or marketing horns beyond prescribed limits may result in up to two years imprisonment or a Tk 200,000 fine, or both. Unauthorized selling or distribution of excessive noise horns may lead to one month imprisonment or a Tk 50,000 fine.
Key Provisions of the Draft Rules
The draft law also includes a prohibition on the import, marketing, and use of vehicle horns that produce noise beyond accepted limits. Specific permissible decibel levels for different types of vehicle horns have been set in the proposed law. Additionally, the use of noise-producing firecrackers and crackers will be banned unless special permission is obtained.
Restrictions on the use of microphones, loudspeakers, and music systems will also be introduced, prohibiting loud music or cultural programs after 9 pm. The new rules aim to create a more balanced and peaceful environment for all residents.
Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry, stated that the 2006 rules lacked clarity on several points. The new draft addresses issues related to horns, firecrackers, and other noise sources while increasing penalties. The draft law is expected to be finalized soon, following inter-ministerial meetings and public consultations.
Exemptions and Implementation
The draft law exempts noise rules for religious places such as mosques, temples, churches, pagodas, and other worship sites; religious events including Eid prayers, sermons, funerals, and processions; ambulance and fire services; government broadcasts during Iftar and Sehri; and certain official government activities.
According to the draft law, the Ministry of Commerce and relevant authorities will not grant permission for importing or marketing horns exceeding the acceptable noise limits. Use of such horns on motor vehicles, boats, or other transport means will be strictly prohibited.
Vehicles will not be allowed to honk horns in designated quiet zones. Drivers, owners, and operators will not be allowed to install or use any devices or parts that produce excessive noise, nor authorise others to do so.
The proposed law sets noise limits based on area type, with specific decibel levels for silent, residential, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial zones. Daytime is defined as 6 am to 9 pm, and nighttime from 9 pm to 6 am.
For vehicle horns, permissible noise levels are set at 85 dB for light vehicles, 90 dB for medium vehicles, and 100 dB for heavy vehicles and mechanical boats.
Authorities must install noise barriers near overpasses, flyovers, elevated expressways, or railway lines to reduce noise pollution. Noise pollution awareness training and testing will be mandatory for obtaining or renewing professional or non-professional driving licenses.
Use of noise-producing firecrackers is prohibited unless special permission is granted for festivals or events, with strict limits on timing and noise levels. Local bodies such as Union Parishads, municipalities, city corporations, and urban development authorities will identify noise zones and install standard signage.