In a major policy shift aimed at curbing Bangladesh’s longstanding noise pollution crisis, the government has issued an updated set of regulations granting traffic police the authority to impose on-the-spot fines for noise-related offences. The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry yesterday (November 24) gazetted the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025, replacing the previous 2006 rules that relied heavily on executive magistrates for enforcement.

According to the ministry, the earlier rules had become largely ineffective due to limited manpower, weak monitoring and prolonged administrative procedures. The new rules empower traffic sergeants and officials of equivalent or higher rank to fine offenders immediately when a violation occurs in their presence.

The revised regulations introduce stricter limits on nighttime noise. No social event may continue after 9:00pm, and the use of loudspeakers, mikes, DJs, amplifiers, fireworks, or any high-decibel device is completely banned during deep night hours—such as 2:00am or 4:00am. Noise in “silent zones,” including hospitals, clinics, elderly homes, educational institutions, exam centres, and residential areas with infants or ill persons, will be treated as a serious disturbance.

The gazette further points to high-intensity horns as a major source of urban noise. For the first time, the rules introduce punitive measures against the import, production, storage and sale of illegal high-decibel horns, including train-horn–type devices that have flooded local markets for years. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the Department of Environment will jointly oversee enforcement.

Use of DJs, mikes, fireworks or any sound-amplifying equipment is now strictly prohibited in designated silent zones. The rules also specify that no individual or local leader may misuse organisational “positions”—such as president or vice-president—to pressure others into using loud sound systems. Obstructing authorised officials during noise-control operations will also carry separate penalties.

Nighttime construction—long considered a major contributor to urban noise—must now remain suspended after prescribed hours. The rules set specific sound limits for factories and commercial generators, and allow authorities to temporarily halt operations if noise levels exceed the threshold.

Data from the Department of Environment show that average daily noise levels in Dhaka range between 90 and 100 decibels, more than double the limit recommended by the World Health Organization. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such noise can lead to hypertension, heart disease, sleep disturbance, anxiety and reduced concentration among children.

Before finalising the new rules, the government held several stakeholder consultations and inter-ministerial meetings. The draft was also opened for public feedback on the ministry’s website. Best practices from countries including India, Japan, Malaysia and the UK were reviewed to address gaps identified in the 2006 framework.

Speaking to reporters, the director general of the Department of Environment said, “With these rules in place, late-night loudspeakers, DJ music or fireworks can be controlled far more swiftly. The involvement of traffic police will significantly strengthen enforcement on the ground.