BELA calls for update to noise pollution rules amid rising health concerns

The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) today organised a discussion titled "Measures to Prevent Noise Pollution" to understand the real-life suffering caused by it and to determine the necessary steps to address the issue.

The discussion was held at the Shailaprapat Auditorium of the Parjatan Bhaban in the capital.

Victims of noise pollution, students, doctors, academics, environmentalists, urban planners, police, officials from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, as well as representatives of other relevant authorities and civil society, took part in the discussion.

At the event, Taslima Islam, chief executive of BELA, said, "Noise pollution creates a public nuisance that can endanger lives. The Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006 is now nearly twenty years old, and this is the right time to update it."

"BELA filed a case in 1995, and the verdict came in 2002, giving many important directives to prevent noise pollution. But the main challenge is the lack of implementation. We must ensure implementation," she added.

Dr Sarwar Jahan Md Zoheb, ENT and head-neck surgeon and registrar at Dhaka Medical College, said, "Noise pollution is a multidimensional issue that harms people the most. We all want to live in a calm and beautiful environment, but we are forced to live in noisy surroundings filled with traffic, industrial sounds, and construction work."

He explained that busy traffic noise can reach 110–120 decibels, which has severe long-term impacts. Besides permanent hearing loss, noise pollution causes stress responses, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular stress, and developmental problems in children.

Chief guest Dr Kamruzzaman NDC, Director General of the Department of Environment, said, "The Department of Environment cannot fully carry out its responsibilities due to various obstacles. Only six magistrates have been working from 2005 to 2025. Lack of manpower is a huge issue. In the new rules, police have been given the power to directly fine for noise pollution."

He also said that special training programmes are being arranged for drivers in different areas such as Diyabari and Mirpur.