Dhaka City Building Construction Act 2004, jointly prepared by Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) is yet to take effect as it is still waiting approval from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.

When approved, it will be the first guideline for real estate developers and will include strict noise standards and laws for noise nuisance after 7pm.

The DoE has already issued official letters to all REHAB members to start following the noise principles but most construction firms have reportedly ignored the instructions. The DoE letter, dated 8 April 2004 clearly stated that construction work relaying to noise nuisance must not be carried out after 7pm. If any neighbour complains, the work must be stopped immediately.

"Previously we used to wake up by the sound of the alarm clock. But now we are compelled to rise with the noise from construction work at the adjacent apartment which starts sharp at 6:30am ," said Anwar Hossain, a businessman of Kalyanpur.

"The loud noise of rod cutting machines and brick breaking continue till midnight," added Hossain.

Another frustrated resident from a nearby flat said repeated complaints to the site manager of the apartment fell on deaf ears.

"In Block A, a well-known construction firm is building an apartment. Their work is creating serious noise pollution even at late hours. There is no specific timeframe for the labourers to work and the construction materials are often dumped on the streets. When it rains, the road infront of the apartment becomes unusable for locals," complained a Banani resident.

The new Act, which is expected to be approved soon, says that construction work can take place from 6am 8pm. It adds that stone crushing machines that create noise should not be operated inside residential areas. Also, construction materials can not be left on roads and footpaths.