Barishal marked International Noise Awareness Day with a rally highlighting the health risks of rising urban noise pollution and urging urgent action for better enforcement and public awareness.
International Noise Awareness Day was observed in Barishal on Wednesday with a rally and discussion, as experts warned of growing health risks from rising urban noise levels.
The Department of Environment, Barishal, in collaboration with the district administration, brought out a rally in the city at around 10:00 am. It marched through key roads before ending at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room, where a discussion was held.
Speaking as the chief guest, Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Obaidullah described noise pollution as a “silent killer.”
“It damages hearing and increases risks of stress, heart disease and hypertension. Its impacts also affect productivity and social wellbeing,” he said.
He called for stronger enforcement of laws alongside greater public awareness and social responsibility.
Speakers said the safe sound limit for humans is around 60 decibels. However, hydraulic horns can reach up to 115 decibels, sound systems around 120, and headphones up to 135-levels considered dangerous for both physical and mental health.
They warned that uncontrolled urban noise is contributing to rising cases of hearing loss, irritability and mental stress, particularly in cities.
Despite existing regulations under environmental laws, enforcement remains weak, they said, stressing the need for stricter monitoring and coordinated action.
The meeting was chaired by Kazi Saifuddin, Assistant Director of the Department of Environment, Barishal. Among the speakers were Dr Md Ejaj Hossain and Linkon Bayen of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association.
Young climate activists from YouthNet Global also attended the programme and urged authorities to take urgent and youth-inclusive measures to curb noise pollution, linking it to broader environmental and public health challenges.
Officials, NGO representatives, students and journalists attended the programme.
Participants ended the event with a call for urgent, collective action to reduce noise and protect public health in rapidly growing urban areas.
