Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke at a consultative workshop organized by the Department of Environment (DoE) in Agargaon today. Photo : PID

DHAKA, April 23, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today stressed the need for creating a social movement against "loud culture" to combat noise pollution. 

She made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a consultative workshop held at the Department of Environment (DoE) in Agargaon here. 

The event was organised to identify suitable actions for the third revision of the Integrated and Partnership-Based Project for Controlling Noise Pollution, a ministry press release said. 

Rizwana said 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 added. 

The environment adviser also underscored strict enforcement of noise pollution laws, especially in designated 'silent zones' such as airports, hospitals, and educational institutions. 

At the same time, she said, people 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. 

Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed and Additional Secretary (Development) of the ministry Md. Khayrul Hasan also spoke at the workshop with DoE Director General Dr Kamruzzaman in the chair. 

Policymakers from various departments, law enforcement representatives, environmentalists, and members of civil society were present.