DHAKA, March 3, 2022 (BSS) - Speakers at a webinar today said noise pollution cannot be controlled effectively in the country without any agency dedicated to do the entire necessary tasks including making public awareness and controlling the noise pollution.

     "The lack of research on the negative impact of sound pollution, the unavailability of specific data on the menace and lack of awareness about it are affecting the fight against noise pollution," they said.

     They were addressing a webinar titled "Towards a Safe Listening Environment" organised by development organisation Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) on Tuesday evening marking World Hearing Day, said a press release today.

     Referring to health experts, the speakers at the webinar said sound pollution causes various health problems, including hearing loss, headache and heart problems.

     While addressing as chief guest Director of National Institute of Ear, Nose and Throat Prof Dr Mohammad Abu Hanif said Bangladesh needs to conduct campaigns at different levels, beginning from the family to the state level, to raise awareness about sound pollution and its impact.

     He also urged the government to enforce the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules for creating a safe hearing environment for the future generations.

     Country Director of ADD International Shafiqul Islam moderated the webinar while Country Director of CBM Global Mohammad Mushfiqul Wara and Consultant of World Health Organisation Dr Sadhana Bhagwat addressed as the special guests.

     Several suggestions were made at the meeting which includes devising measures to properly enforce the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, determining the jurisdiction of government agencies on sound pollution control, and making hearing aid devices and sign language training available across the country.

     According to World Health Organisation, around 1 billion people in the world are facing the risk of hearing loss due to high noise created by humans, said the release.

     CDD, which works with local and international development organizations and government agencies for the protection of rights of the persons with disabilities, has been observing the World Hearing Day since 2011.