Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin urged everyone to work together to control noise pollution.
“Considering the harmful aspects of noise pollution, the government is determined to take effective measures to control it. For this reason, initiatives have been taken to increase public awareness, update rules and take legal measures,” he said.
The minister said this while addressing as the chief guest at the awareness workshop organized under the integrated and partnership project at the Khulna District Shilpakala Academy auditorium on Wednesday (March 15).
He said that the use of unnecessary and loud instruments should be stopped in political, religious and cultural events. Transport owners should avoid excessive honking, hydraulic horn to reduce sound pollution.
Khulna Divisional Commissioner Zillur Rahman Chowdhury presided over the workshop whereas Deputy Minister of Environment, Forest and Change Ministry Habibun Nahar spoke as the guest of honor in the workshop and Ministry's Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr. Abdul Hamid, Additional Police Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police Sardar Rakibul Islam, Additional Deputy Inspector General of Police of Khulna Range Md Iqbal, Khulna District Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Yasir Arefin and Khulna Medical College Nose, Ear and Throat Department Head Professor Dr. Kamruzzaman spoke among others.
The Environment Minister called upon all religious leaders including imams and priests to speak on the issue to increase public awareness.
He said, “Teachers, students and journalists can play an important role in making people aware.”
He urged BRTA and police forces to take legal action against the manufacturer, marketing and use of hydraulic horns.
He requested not to allow vehicles using hydraulic horn and high volume horn while issuing vehicle fitness certificates.
The Environment Minister urged the field administration to conduct exemplary punishment by conducting regular mobile courts against hydraulic horns and noise pollution.
“We should plant more trees to reduce the pollution. If noise pollution is under control in neighboring countries, why can't we? We want everyone's cooperation to build a noise pollution free Bangladesh for the next generation. We all have to work to prevent noise pollution for the sake of people's health.” the minister added.
In the workshop, representatives of various government and private departments pledged to work to prevent noise pollution. In addition, earplugs and awareness stickers were provided to all workshop attendees to protect against noise pollution.