The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has urged all to refrain from engaging in fireworks and firecrackers during New Year's Eve celebrations across Bangladesh.
Seeking cooperation from all, the ministry says the use of fireworks and firecrackers is harmful and unlawful, according to a media release sent from the ministry on Friday.
Using fireworks and firecrackers has become a tradition to celebrate New Year's Eve on December 31, but such activities significantly exacerbate existing noise and air pollution levels.
Referring to a media report, the release reads a child died after suffering from heart disease, frightened by the loud noise of fireworks during last New Year celebrations.
Moreover, excessive noise can lead to numerous health issues, including hearing and memory loss, sleep disturbances, anxiety, aggression, high blood pressure, tinnitus, dizziness, increased risk of heart disease, mental instability, stroke, and heart attacks.
It mentions that unauthorized fireworks and firecrackers during New Year celebrations violate Rule 7 of the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006. Such actions are considered punishable offences under Rule 18 of the same regulations.
As per the law, violations of these rules may result in a penalty of up to one month of imprisonment or a fine of up to Tk5,000, or both, for the first offence.
For subsequent violations, penalties may increase to up to six months of imprisonment or a fine of up to Tk10,000, or both.