Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, emphasized the government’s need for the support of Islamic scholars in addressing noise pollution. She expressed hope that the scholars would submit concrete action plans to aid in this effort.
Speaking at a consultation meeting held on Monday at the Department of Environment with prominent Islamic scholars from across the country, the Advisor noted that incorporating environmental messages—such as the importance of reducing plastic pollution, preventing hill cutting, and stopping illegal stone extraction—into religious sermons could effectively influence behavioral change among the public.
She said that in many countries, noise pollution has been significantly reduced through the combined efforts of governments and citizens. “We want to implement similar initiatives in Bangladesh. We don’t want to stop at speeches—we are ready to take real action. We must develop a regulated noise management system in concerts, ambulance use, and the transport sector.”
Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, Advisor to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, added that Islamic scriptures, including Hadiths, clearly advocate for moderation in noise. Using loudspeakers at high volumes late at night disrupts the sleep of children, the elderly, and the ill, and causes harm beyond mere hearing issues—it can negatively affect the nervous system. He also stated that unnecessary honking and loud sounds go against the teachings of Islam. Dr. Hossain urged Islamic scholars to raise public awareness to prevent all forms of pollution.
Also speaking at the event were Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman NDC, Director General of the Department of Environment; Professor Dr. Kamrul Hasan Torofdar, Secretary General of the ENT Head-Neck Cancer Foundation; Md. Abdullah Al Masud, Director (Deputy Secretary, Administration), Department of Environment; and Farid Ahmed, Project Director of the Integrated and Participatory Noise Control Project.
Islamic scholars present at the meeting agreed to provide a set of recommendations to the government on noise pollution control. Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan pledged to disseminate Quran- and Hadith-based environmental messages to raise public awareness. She concluded by saying, With collective efforts rooted in religious values, we can build an environmentally conscious Bangladesh.