Campaigners and experts say weak enforcement, poor traffic control and unregulated loudspeakers are exposing vulnerable groups, including children, patients and traffic police, to daily noise hazards in cities.
Noise pollution is becoming a growing public health concern in Bangladesh’s major cities, where traffic, construction work, loudspeakers and indiscriminate use of vehicle horns expose residents to excessive sound every day.
In busy urban areas, continuous noise from buses, trucks, motorcycles and roadside commercial activities often makes it difficult for people to work, study or rest. Hospitals, schools and residential areas are also frequently affected.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can contribute to hearing problems, sleep disturbance, stress, headaches and reduced concentration. Children, elderly people, patients and traffic police are among those considered particularly vulnerable.
Although Bangladesh has regulations to control excessive noise, weak enforcement remains a major challenge. Unnecessary honking, loud microphones and construction activities often continue without adequate monitoring.
Environmental campaigners say authorities need stricter enforcement, regular noise monitoring and public awareness campaigns. They also call for better traffic management and stronger restrictions on horns and loudspeakers near hospitals and educational institutions.
Experts say controlling noise pollution requires cooperation among government agencies, transport operators, businesses and citizens. Without stronger action, they warn, growing urbanisation and traffic could make the problem increasingly difficult to manage.
