The call by environmentalists for a crackdown on indiscriminate fireworks during New Year’s celebrations is timely. It is disconcerting that such calls were routinely issued, followed by warnings by law enforcement agencies, but were neither followed through nor enforced. The consequences of this failure are familiar. The experiences of mindless celebrations of the New Year in major cities, especially Dhaka, should serve as a decisive lesson for the authorities. From fire hazards to the death of hundreds of births, from spiking air and noise pollution to the death of a traumatised infant, past experiences are shocking. The death of a four-month-old child in 2022 after being traumatised by the shattering sounds of fireworks remains a haunting reminder of what is at stake. Hundreds of birds died after being disoriented or terrified by explosions and lanterns.
Beyond human distress, the environmental toll was severe, too. Environmentalists say that fireworks release sulphur dioxide and other harmful pollutants, compounding Dhaka’s chronic air quality crisis and posing long-term risks to public health. Data from the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies showed a dramatic deterioration of air quality overnight during the New Year Celebration of 2024–25, with the air quality index in Dhaka jumping from an already unhealthy 256 to a hazardous 321 within hours. Noise pollution rose even more alarmingly, with sound levels surging from 62 decibels to a deafening 103 decibels. These figures show abundantly what past years’ celebrations meant for city residents and the environment. The authorities did assure that the celebrations would not turn into sufferings and issued public instructions, with strict prohibition on fireworks, crackers and sky lanterns, the environment department announced mobile courts and the court issued clear directives. Yet, enforcement remained virtually absent.
In a densely populated city like Dhaka, fireworks are not a harmless celebration but a serious threat to safety, health and the environment. While celebrators should recognise this and act responsively, the authorities should move beyond last-minute, symbolic warnings. Proactive measures are what are needed. The authorities should halt the sales of fireworks now, conducting visible and sustained enforcement drives and ensuring accountability.
