Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has emphasized the need for a social movement against our “loud culture” to combat noise pollution, much like movements against other social offenses.
She made these remarks today while speaking as the Chief Guest at a consultative workshop held at the Department of Environment in Agargaon. The event was organized to identify suitable actions for the third revision of the Integrated and Partnership-Based Project for Controlling Noise Pollution.
Advisor Rizwana Hasan said that loud conversations on roadsides, excessive honking by vehicles, or misuse of microphones are not just legal violations—they reflect a deeper behavioral decline. Raising public awareness to drive behavioral change is now more urgent than ever.
She further stressed the need for strict enforcement of noise pollution laws, especially in designated ‘silent zones’ such as airports, hospitals, and educational institutions. At the same time, the public must be made aware that noise pollution is a form of violence—with serious consequences.
“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), also spoke as special guests at the workshop. Dr Kamruzzaman, Director General of Department of Environment presided over the occasion.
Policymakers from various departments, law enforcement representatives, environmentalists, and members of civil society were present.
The workshop produced several practical recommendations to control noise pollution, which will be incorporated in the next phase of the project.