Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; the Ministry of Water Resources; and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has said that Bangladesh Police sergeants and other designated officials are now empowered to take direct action to control noise pollution, marking a significant step forward in addressing the problem. She stressed that the mere existence of laws is not enough; effective enforcement is essential to achieve desired results, and the active role of police at the field level is crucial.

The Adviser made these remarks at a directive meeting held on 14 December at the Department of Environment, organized to brief stakeholders on the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025, including the granting of law enforcement authority to Bangladesh Police.

Calling for coordinated efforts among all relevant agencies, she said that along with imposing fines, raising public awareness is equally important. She noted that noise pollution is no longer a minor issue, as it seriously affects public health, children’s mental development, and the overall livability of urban life. She emphasized the need for strict monitoring of noise 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.

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 Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. As part of distributing 50 sound meters to Metropolitan Police traffic sergeants, one sound meter was formally handed over to the Additional Commissioner.

Later, the Environment Adviser addressed a lead remediation training 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 people can avoid exposure. Warning that factory relocation without proper monitoring merely shifts risks elsewhere, she called for a national lead action plan, clear source mapping, time-bound targets, strict checklists for environmental clearances, and strong partnerships to achieve a lead-free Bangladesh.