Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced the operation of mobile courts on New Year’s Eve to curb the use of fireworks and sky lanterns.
The decision has been implemented to prevent noise and air pollution, as stated by Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Tuesday (31 December).
Addressing the media, the environment adviser emphasised the importance of public awareness, saying, “We urge the media to broadcast scrolling messages requesting citizens to refrain from using fireworks or firecrackers. Mobile courts will commence operations from the evening.”
Rizwana Hasan also revealed plans for a new law focused on the protection of trees, which will include provisions to ban advertisements nailed onto trees.
She assured that penalties for violations would be integrated into the legislation once enacted.
Earlier, the Ministry of Environment issued a press release reiterating the harmful impacts of fireworks, firecrackers, and sky lanterns.
The statement highlighted the dangers posed by such activities, including noise pollution, air pollution, increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and mental stress due to excessive noise.
It pointed out the risks of fire incidents and harm to biodiversity caused by sky lanterns.
According to the statement, under the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2006, such activities are punishable offences. A first-time offence may result in a one-month imprisonment, a fine of Tk5,000, or both. Repeated offences may lead to a six-month imprisonment, a fine of Tk10,000, or both.
The ministry has called on citizens to comply with these regulations to ensure a safe and environmentally friendly celebration of the New Year.
