On the occasion of International Noise Awareness Day 2026, a rally and a discussion titled ‘Excessive Noise : A Cause of Environmental Pollution and Health Risks’ were organized by the Department of Environment, Sylhet Divisional Office.
On Wednesday (April 29), after a brief rally in front of the Sylhet Divisional Commissioner’s office, a discussion meeting was held at the conference room of the same office.
The chief guest was Divisional Commissioner Md Mashiur Rahman. The meeting was chaired by Director of the Department of Environment Sylhet, Md Abul Kalam Azad, while the keynote speaker was Dr Md Shah Kamal, Head of the ENT Department at Osmani Medical College.
In his speech, the chief guest said that noise pollution has now become a ‘silent killer,’ severely affecting both physical and mental health. He emphasized that along with coordinated efforts from all relevant departments, raising public awareness is essential to address the issue.
He added that in addition to enforcing laws, all stakeholders—including the transport sector—must act responsibly and everyone must play an effective role from their respective positions to ensure a sustainable environment.
Other speakers discussed the causes, harmful effects and prevention methods of noise pollution in detail.
They stressed the importance of proper enforcement of existing laws and strengthening public awareness initiatives.
The welcome speech was delivered by Assistant Director of the Department of Environment Sylhet, Md Afzarul Islam. Among others present were Additional Deputy Commissioner Padmasan Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police Rakhi Rani Das, BRTA Motor Vehicle Inspector Shafiqul Islam Russell, BAPA General Secretary Kasmir Reza and representatives from various organizations.
After the discussion, a mobile court conducted drives in Gotatikor and Alampur areas of South Surma.
During the operation, five vehicles were fined Tk 15,000 and ten illegal hydraulic horns were seized. PID