Green activists and academics at a discussion on Wednesday urged the government to update the current noise pollution control law and strict enforcement to control the ever worsening impact of noise pollution on public health.
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association organised the discussion, titled 鈥楳easures to prevent noise pollution鈥� at a Parjatan Bhaban auditorium in Dhaka city, said a press release.
Saying that noise pollution turned to a terrible public nuisance endangering lives, BELA chief executive Taslima Islam called for an urgent update of the 鈥楴oise Pollution (Control) Rules 2006鈥�, now nearly two decades old.
Ear-nose-throat surgeon Dr Sarwar Jahan Zoheb at the programme highlighted the serious health risks caused by harmful noise levels, warning that it might even cause critical health problems like permanent hearing loss and cardiovascular stress.
Uncontrolled noise pollution even intervene with children鈥檚 mental and physical development, the physician said.
He also cited World Health Organisation guidelines to note that over one billion young people worldwide were at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe noise exposure.
Department of Environment director general Md Kamruzzaman admitted manpower shortages in his department, but said that under revised rules, the police now had the authority to directly fine for noise pollution.
Training programmes for drivers were underway in Dhaka to raise awareness about the harms of noise pollution, he added.
The discussion concluded that stricter law enforcement, visible silent zone markers, more research and addressing root causes, particularly indiscriminate use of horns, were vital in tackling noise pollution.
BUET professor Md Yasir Arafat Khan emphasised the need for administrative and engineering solutions.
Psychiatrist Sifat-e-Said warned of mental health consequences, including stress, insomnia and irritability caused by excessive exposure to noise pollution.
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority deputy director Subir Kumar Saha announced training for drivers at the programme.
Truck and Covered Van Owners Association leaders called for a ban on the import of hydraulic horns.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police traffic commissioner Zillur Rahman underscored the need for collective responsibility in enforcement, as students demanded stronger action to safeguard their learning environment from the harms of noise pollution.