Last Thursday at 9:30 pm, cultural activist Saeed Khan Sagar was resting at his home in Arshinagar, Keraniganj, Dhaka, when his peace was abruptly shattered by the piercing blare of election campaign loudspeakers. Frustrated, he dialled the national emergency service 999. Within moments, police arrived and switched off the offending microphone.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, Sagar said, “Election-related noise pollution is causing serious disruption to daily life. Even though using microphones after 8 pm is prohibited, no one seems to follow this rule.”
Noise pollution has long been a chronic problem for residents of Dhaka and other major cities in Bangladesh. During the 13th national parliamentary election campaign, incessant loudspeakers, blaring music from campaign vehicles, and repeated slogans have intensified citizens’ suffering. No area is spared—quiet neighbourhoods, residential zones, markets, and hospitals all experience the disruption.
According to the Election Commission’s Election Code of Conduct 2025:
Microphone, sound system, and loudspeaker use must be limited to 2 pm to 8 pm.
Noise levels must not exceed 60 decibels.
Campaigning is strictly prohibited in government-declared quiet zones.
Union Parishads, municipalities, city corporations, and metropolitan police are empowered to declare quiet zones in their jurisdictions.
The main designated quiet zones and applicable regulations are summarised below:
| Area / Institution | Quiet Zone Radius | Applicable Rule | Declaration Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitals, educational institutions, courts, offices | 100 metres | Campaigning prohibited | 2 February 2025 |
| Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan (North Dhaka) | Entire area | Campaigning prohibited | 16 September 2025 |
Shah Rafayet Chowdhury, a resident of Gulshan-1, told Prothom Alo, “Even though the area is officially designated as a quiet zone, election campaigns for political symbols like Dhaner Shish and Dandipal are taking place every five minutes. Sometimes on autorickshaws, sometimes on cycle rickshaws—the noise is relentless.” He criticised candidates for violating the code, warning that such behaviour sets a negative precedent.
However, the issue extends beyond Gulshan. Rafayet added, “My office near Niketan is similarly affected. Citizens struggle to rest, seek medical care, or study due to constant noise.”
Experts argue that strict monitoring of campaign noise and increased public awareness are urgently needed to control the problem. Without coordinated enforcement, the suffering of residents during election periods is likely to continue unabated.