Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has emphasised the need for the support of religious scholars in controlling noise pollution in the country.
She expressed the government’s hope that these scholars would submit specific action plans on the matter.
During a meeting with prominent clerics on Monday at the Department of Environment, she noted that including environmental issues such as plastic pollution, deforestation, and stone extraction in religious discourse would have a significant impact on changing people’s behavior.
In her address, the Rizwana Hasan highlighted how developed countries have managed to control noise pollution through joint efforts of governments and citizens.
She said, “We want to implement similar initiatives in Bangladesh, moving beyond just speeches to actual work. We need regulated noise management in sectors such as concerts, ambulances, and transportation.”
Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, also spoke at the event. He pointed out that Islamic texts, including the Hadith, teach the importance of sound control. He mentioned that using loudspeakers at high volumes late at night is distressing for children, the elderly, and the sick.
“Excessive noise not only causes ear pain but also adversely affects the nervous system. Unnecessary honking and noise pollution are contrary to Islamic teachings,” he said. He urged religious leaders to raise public awareness to combat all forms of pollution.
The meeting was also addressed by Dr Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment; Dr Mohammad Kamruzzaman, director general of the Department of Environment; Professor Dr Kamrul Hasan Tarafder, Secretary-General of the ENT Head and Neck Cancer Foundation; Mohammad Abdullah Al Masud, director at the Department of Environment; and Farid Ahmed, director of the Noise Control Project.
Religious leaders present at the event agreed to provide plans to the government on how to curb noise pollution. Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan promised to raise awareness against noise pollution using Quranic and Hadith-based messages. She concluded by emphasizing that a collective effort based on religious values will help create an environmentally friendly Bangladesh.