Bangladesh introduces tougher nationwide noise pollution rules
New nationwide framework restricts horns, loudspeakers, fireworks and industrial noise while tackling rising urban health risks across Bangladesh
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh has announced sweeping regulations to combat escalating noise pollution, introducing stricter enforcement powers and new limits on public and industrial noise as part of the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules-2025, unveiled through a government gazette on November 24.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said the previous 2006 rules suffered from major implementation challenges and lacked clarity on enforcement responsibilities, making meaningful action difficult. The revised framework seeks to close those gaps by responding to current realities, technological changes, and growing urban health concerns.
According to the official notification, one of the most significant reforms is the authority granted to law-enforcement personnel. Until now, only magistrates could penalize violations, causing delays due to limited manpower.
Under the 2025 rules, designated traffic police officers of sergeant rank or above are now empowered to issue on-the-spot fines for breaches under Rule 6, a move the government says will accelerate real-time enforcement operations.
The updated regulations also introduce punitive measures for the import, manufacture, storage, and sale of high-decibel vehicle horns — an area previously unregulated despite being one of the leading contributors to noise pollution in cities such as Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. A ban on importing high-volume horns is expected to follow as part of enforcement phases.
The rules impose a maximum 90-decibel limit for social events, which must conclude by 9 p.m., and prohibit the use of loudspeakers, amplifiers, or musical instruments in public spaces without written permission.
They also establish a complete ban on fireworks, horns, and similar noise-generating devices in designated silence zones such as hospitals and schools, and set restrictions on night-time construction activities.
Additional provisions target noise from industrial facilities and generators, aligning penalties with the Road Transport Act, 2018.
Officials said the rules were drafted after nationwide consultations involving stakeholders, ministries, and public feedback. Best practice models from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Kenya, and South Africa were studied to strengthen regulatory mechanisms and enforcement clarity.
Environmental experts in Bangladesh have repeatedly warned that noise levels in major cities far exceed World Health Organization safe limits, contributing to rising cases of hypertension, heart disease, sleep disorders, and mental-health stress. Advocacy groups say stronger enforcement and public participation are crucial for meaningful impact.
As urbanization and vehicle density continue to grow rapidly, the government says the new framework marks a major step toward creating safer and more livable urban environments.
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