Police empowered to act against rising noise pollution

Environment adviser urges police action against noise pollution

Bangladesh empowers police to curb noise pollution as new rules take effect, stressing enforcement, awareness and public health, while honoring Dhaka University and advancing lead pollution control efforts nationwide initiatives.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan yesterday (December 14) said sergeants of the Bangladesh Police and other designated officials have been empowered to take direct action to curb noise pollution, marking a significant step forward in addressing the growing problem.

She emphasized that the existence of laws alone is insufficient, stressing that effective enforcement is essential to achieve meaningful outcomes.

The adviser underscored the importance of active field-level engagement by the police to ensure compliance, according to a press release.

Rizwana, who also serves as an adviser to the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, made the remarks at a meeting held at the Department of Environment in Dhaka.

The meeting was organised to brief stakeholders on the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025. Calling for coordinated efforts among all relevant agencies, the adviser said that, alongside imposing fines, raising public awareness is equally critical.

She noted that noise pollution is no longer a minor concern, as it poses serious risks to public health, affects children’s mental development and undermines the overall livability of urban environments. She further stressed the need for strict monitoring of noise generated from transport, construction activities, loudspeakers and electronic devices.

The meeting was attended by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Fahmida Khanam, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman and Additional Commissioner (Traffic) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Md. Anisur Rahman, among others.

In recognition of Dhaka University’s complete ban on fireworks, firecrackers and sky lanterns on New Year’s Eve 2024 and for setting an exemplary standard in raising student awareness, a crest and letter of appreciation were presented to DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan.

As part of the distribution of 50 sound meters to Metropolitan Police traffic sergeants, one sound meter was formally handed over to the Additional Commissioner.

Later in the day, the environment adviser attended a training programme on lead remediation as the chief guest at BRAC CDM, Rajendrapur. She said funds are available to raise public awareness through the media by identifying sources of lead pollution so that people can avoid exposure. The adviser cautioned that factory relocation without proper monitoring merely shifts risks to other areas and called for the formulation of a national lead action plan.

She noted that clear source mapping, time-bound targets, strict environmental clearance checklists and strong institutional partnerships are essential to achieving a lead-free Bangladesh.