Dhaka, Apr 23 (V7N)- Environment and Forest Affairs Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hassan has emphasized the urgent need for a social movement to combat noise pollution, calling for behavioral and psychological change among citizens to tackle the growing issue.

She made the remarks while speaking at a consultative workshop on a coordinated and participatory project aimed at controlling noise pollution. The event was held at the Department of Environment in Agargaon, Dhaka.

“Suddenly shouting on the roadside, talking loudly, the excessive use of vehicle horns, or misuse of microphones are not only legal violations but also signs of social and behavioral decay,” Rizwana Hassan said. “Raising public awareness to bring about behavioral change is the most pressing need.”

She acknowledged that the longstanding issue of noise pollution cannot be resolved overnight but expressed hope that consistent efforts could lead to a sustainable solution. She also stressed the importance of restricting siren use to emergency situations only and noted the difficulty in tracking importers despite a ban on hydraulic horns.

Participants at the workshop echoed the advisor’s concerns, pointing out that without proper enforcement, laws alone will not be effective. They also observed that political barriers had hindered law enforcement in the past but agreed that the current time is ripe for legal and regulatory reforms.

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