Speakers at a webinar have observed that noise pollution cannot be control effectively in Bangladesh as there are no specific agencies assigned for the task.
They said the lack of research on the negative impact of sound pollution in the country, the unavailability of specific data on the menace and lack of awareness about it are also affecting the fight against noise pollution.
They were speaking at a webinar organised by development organisation Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) on Tuesday evening marking World Hearing Day, which falls on March 3, said press release.
Director of National Institute of Ear, Nose and Throat Prof Dr Mohammad Abu Hanif joined the web meeting titled “Towards a Safe Listening Environment” as the chief guest.
He 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, and 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 were the special guests.
Several suggestions were made at the meeting for fighting noise pollution. They include devising measures to properly enforce the Noise Polution (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.
Referring to health experts, speakers at the webinar said sound pollution causes various health problems, including hearing loss, headache and heart problems.
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.
The theme of this year’s day is “To hear for life, listen with care”.
