Social movement needed to tackle ‘loud culture’ and noise pollution: Adviser Rizwana

A social movement is needed to address Bangladesh's pervasive "loud culture" and rising noise pollution, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Speaking as the chief guest at a consultative workshop held at the Department of Environment in Agargaon today (23 April), she emphasised that actions such as loud conversations on roadsides, excessive honking, or misuse of microphones reflect a deeper societal problem beyond legal breaches.

"These are not just violations of law, they are signs of behavioural decline. Raising public awareness to change such behaviour is more urgent than ever," she said.

The workshop was organised to identify actionable strategies as part of the third revision of the Integrated and Partnership-Based Project for Controlling Noise Pollution.

Highlighting the importance of strict enforcement, Rizwana Hasan noted that noise pollution laws must be applied rigorously, particularly in 'silent zones' such as airports, hospitals, and educational institutions.

"Every motorcyclist, protocol vehicle user, or private car driver must understand that unnecessary honking or playing loud music can seriously harm others' health. If we want relief from noise pollution, we must act now," she added.

Dr Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Md Khayrul Hasan, additional secretary (Development), were present as special guests. 

The session was presided over by Dr Kamruzzaman, director general of the Department of Environment.

The workshop was attended by policymakers, law enforcement officials, environmentalists, and civil society members. 

Several practical recommendations to tackle noise pollution were proposed, which will be considered in the upcoming phase of the project.