‘One-minute silence’ against sound pollution

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change observed a “one-minute silence” programme in Dhaka from 10am to 10:01am on Sunday to keep people free from the harmful effects of noise pollution.

Officials and employees of the ministry and its departments formed human chains as part of the programme in front of the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, Shahbagh, Uttara, Bijoy Sarani, Mirpur-10, Gabtoli, Moghbazar, Mohakhali, Gulshan-1, Kamalapur, and Jatrabari, holding banners and placards. They also distributed awareness leaflets among people.

Taking part at the event in front of the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said, “Today, we have observed one-minute silence in the Dhaka city only. We will observe it nationwide in a few days.”

Expressing his hope for observing the programme for more hours gradually, the minister said, “One day, we will be able to observe the event for 24 hours. We will implement the plan to make the entire country free from noise pollution.”

Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the ministry, said the government has taken initiatives to update the rules within December to curb noise pollution.

Deputy Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Habibun Nahar, representatives of transport owners’ and workers’ associations, police and scout members also joined the programme.