As New Year’s Eve approaches, concerns grow over the risks linked to fireworks. Environmental experts and activists are pushing for stronger measures to curb the indiscriminate use of fireworks during celebrations. With just a week to go until December 31, many retailers have already stockpiled fireworks, raising alarm about the lack of action.
On Monday, regulatory officials noted that an inter-ministerial meeting had taken place to address these concerns. However, Professor Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, head of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies at Stamford University Bangladesh, expressed disappointment at the government’s slow response. He emphasized that urgent steps are needed to protect both public health and the environment.
Since 2017, the Centre has monitored air quality and noise levels in Dhaka during New Year festivities. Their data reveals a troubling trend: on December 31, 2024, Dhaka’s air quality index shot up from 256 to 321 on January 1, indicating a 25% drop in air quality, largely driven by excessive fireworks. Noise levels also spiked from 62 decibels on December 30 to a staggering 103 decibels during celebrations—a 53% increase.
On the eve of New Year 2025, environmental advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that mobile courts would be deployed to tackle illegal firework use. Unfortunately, law enforcement records show that little punitive action was taken the following day, highlighting a worrying trend of ineffective regulation.
The Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police did make one arrest on December 30 for stockpiling fireworks, but this seems minimal compared to the widespread trading in areas like Lalbagh and Tantibazar. Local traders often source their explosives from neighboring countries like China and India.
Legal restrictions on fireworks have been in place since 2018 under the Explosives Act of 1884, yet enforcement remains lax. Past incidents, such as the tragic death of a four-month-old child in 2022 due to firework noise, underscore the urgent need for better oversight. Additionally, numerous birds died that New Year’s Eve, illustrating the ecological toll of such celebrations.
In a bid for stricter controls, community members have turned to social media, with campaigns aiming to raise awareness about the need to minimize firework use. Activists, like Amirul Rajiv, emphasize the fear that loud noises cause in pets and wildlife, pushing for a more considerate approach during festivities.
A new set of regulations, the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2025, now impose stricter penalties for violating firework bans, including fines and potential imprisonment. Awareness campaigns are also planned, targeting mobile users and public announcements, to educate the community about the negative impacts of fireworks.
As New Year’s Day approaches, it’s clear that balancing celebrations with community safety and environmental health will require decisive action and cooperation from all parties involved. The question remains: will the measures be enough to foster a safer celebration?
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