Noise Pollution (Control) Rules were formulated in 2006 under Bangladesh Environmental Protection Act , 1995. Section 9 of this rule deals with various types of noise pollution, including playing loud music. The rules state that no person or organization may exceed the maximum noise level in a residential area without the permission of the authorities . In that case no more than 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night in residential areas. However, subject to the permission of the authorities, open or partially open space for wedding or any other social event, songs , sports competitions , concerts , cultural events , political or any other type of meeting , fair , procession can be performed. In that case the person organizing the event has to apply to the Commissioner of Police or the officer-in-charge of the concerned police station. If the application is granted, the instrument which exceeds the standard of sound can be played for 5 hours daily and it can no longer be played after 10 pm. Section 16 of the law states that any person or organization playing a device that exceeds the standard of sound in a residential area or violates the law is liable to a fine of five thousand rupees and one month imprisonment. Besides, if he commits the same crime later, he will be fined Tk 10,000 and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment. Author: Lawyer , Bangladesh Supreme Court