The meeting held yesterday to finalise Noise Pollution (Control) Regulation-2004, also decided to set a two-month time-frame from the date of issuance of the guideline for the polluters to control noise pollution.

Official sources said that under the guideline, a standard sound level will be fixed for different areas and for motorised and mechanised vehicles.

The revised guideline would, however, exempt mosques, temples, churches and pagodas from any restriction on the use of microphones.

The new guideline is being prepared on the basis of written recommendations from 67 organisations and opinions from various quarters.

Environment and Forest Minister Shahjahan Siraj presided.

Shahjahan Siraj said noise pollution is a silent killer and has been causing a severe health hazard for people.

The minister said after finalisation of the regulation in next two weeks, the two-month time-frame would be fixed to guide people regarding their tasks in controlling noise pollution.

Measures will also be taken to check the use of loud speakers, brick and stone crashing machines, generators, hydraulic horns and noisy vehicles.

He said the offenders would be taken to task under the law and punishment for violating the law would include a fine of up to Tk 10,000 or six months' imprisonment or both.

State Minister for Environment and Forest Zafrul Islam Chowdhury, Secretary Syed Tanveer Hossain and DG of Environment Department Khan Ibrahim Hossain attended the meeting at the ministry.

Representatives from Local Government Department, Home, Communications, Shipping and Health and Family Welfare ministries were present at the meeting.