NOISE pollution in Bangladesh has reached an intolerable level. It now affects daily life, damages health, and disrupts the environment. The cities echo with constant sound — horns blaring, construction hammering, music blaring from speakers and engines roaring. Rural areas, once peaceful, are also no longer free from this intrusion. The situation is worst in major cities like Dhaka, Chattogram and Rajshahi, where noise levels far exceed acceptable limits.Ìý
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, Dhaka is now the world’s noisiest city, with an average sound level of 119 decibels. Rajshahi follows at 103 decibels. These figures are shocking, especially when compared to the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit of 55 decibels for residential areas and 70 decibels for commercial zones. In 2018, the WHO lowered the safe residential limit to 53 decibels. Yet, these standards carry little meaning on the ground.
Traffic remains the main contributor to this noise crisis. Faulty engines, hydraulic horns, congested roads and impatient drivers turn the streets into a wall of sound. Construction sites operate in every corner of the city, often with outdated machinery that produces deafening noise. Loudspeakers at public events and celebrations add another layer of disruption. Airports and railway stations add to the din, with no real attempt to reduce the impact.
The consequences of this chaos reach deep into public health. Research shows that exposure to sound above 120 decibels can cause harmful changes in the body. The WHO estimates that five per cent of the global population suffers from hearing-related health issues due to noise. The safe threshold for human ears is around 45 decibels. When sound crosses 65 decibels, it begins to harm the cardiovascular system. At 90 decibels, the body may develop ulcers, nervous disorders, and hearing damage. Sound levels above 120 decibels can cause pain in the ears and permanent hearing loss.
Health experts have found links between noise exposure and high blood pressure, anxiety, stress and heart disease. Children face even greater risk. Constant noise affects their learning and focus. It also impacts their emotional well-being. In older adults, noise contributes to cognitive decline and worsens conditions such as dementia. The long-term impact on mental health, often overlooked, is just as serious.
Noise pollution also affects animals. Birds rely on sound to communicate and navigate. Excessive noise forces them to leave their habitats. Their breeding cycles face disruption and some species show signs of population decline. Marine life also suffers from industrial and ship-related noise. Dolphins and whales, which depend on echolocation, struggle to survive in these conditions.
The government tried to address the problem with the Noise Pollution Control Rules in 2006. These rules categorise areas into five zones: silent, residential, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial. Each zone has defined noise limits for daytime and nighttime. Silent zones include hospitals, schools, and offices, along with their surrounding 100-metre radius. Here, the limit stands at 50 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night. Horns are banned in these zones.
In residential areas, the law allows 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. Mixed-use areas can reach 60 decibels in the day and 50 at night. Commercial areas allow up to 70 decibels by day and 60 at night. Industrial zones permit the highest levels — 75 decibels in the day and 70 at night. Daytime is defined as 6:00am to 9:00pm. The rest falls under nighttime.
Rules also apply to vehicles. The noise level must not exceed 85 decibels when measured at 7.5 metres from the exhaust. If measured at a closer distance of 0.5 metres at a 45-degree angle, the limit is 100 decibels. The same applies to mechanised watercraft under standard operating conditions.
The rules make space for exceptions. Events like weddings, fairs, concerts and political rallies may exceed noise limits for up to five hours a day, with a cut-off at 10:00pm. Organisers must seek prior approval at least three days in advance. Picnic events over one kilometre away from residential zones may also exceed limits between 9:00am and 5:00pm under special permissions. The law also restricts the use of construction machinery within 500 metres of residential areas between 7:00pm and 7:00am.
The authorities responsible for granting permissions vary by area. In villages and upazilas, the upazila nirbahi officer holds this authority. In district areas, the deputy commissioner takes charge. In city corporation areas, this responsibility falls on the police commissioner. For political processions, permission comes from the police commissioner or the deputy commissioner, depending on the region.
Despite having a legal framework, the law fails in practice. Violations are common. Events often take place without permits. Vehicles ignore sound limits. Loudspeakers operate in silent zones without consequence. The law also exempts government activities, religious functions and emergency services from noise limits. Sirens, horns and loudspeakers continue to disturb people, especially during late hours. During last new year’s eve celebration, the emergency helpline 999 received over 1000 noise-related complaints. Only a few led to any action.
The punishment for breaking the law remains weak. Offenders may face up to a month in jail or a fine of Tk 5000. Repeat offenders may face up to six months or a Tk 10,000 fine. These penalties do not deter powerful event organisers or transport businesses. Residential generators, which cause considerable noise, remain outside regulatory control.
Lack of awareness makes the problem worse. Most people do not know about noise limits, how to report violations, or how to seek permission for events. No proper awareness campaign exists. Authorities rarely take initiative. Without public knowledge, enforcement remains hollow. Awareness must become a central strategy in tackling this crisis.
The government must take stronger action. Penalties should increase. Real-time noise monitoring should become routine in cities. Limits on loudspeakers, vehicle horns and public events must become stricter. Other countries have introduced such measures and have seen results. Bangladesh can do the same.
Modern solutions are also available. Urban planning should include noise barriers and soundproofing. Vehicles must follow stricter noise standards. Public transport can use quieter engines. Schools and hospitals must receive protection through proper zoning. Authorities must restrict fireworks and late-night celebrations.
Noise pollution is not just an inconvenience. It is a health crisis. It is an environmental hazard. It is a social issue that demands urgent attention. The existing laws offer a foundation. But without enforcement, they mean nothing. Public awareness, stronger regulation and better planning can turn the tide.
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Md Yeasir Arafat is pursuing an undergraduate degree in political science at the University of Rajshahi. Fahmida is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Bangla at Rajshahi College.