Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized that excessive use of horns in vehicles results in significant harm to drivers themselves, with 65 percent of drivers in the country experiencing hearing impairment. She articulated these concerns while participating as a special guest at the launch of a training program titled “Skill Development and Awareness Training on Noise Pollution for Professional Transport Drivers/Workers” at the BRTC Training Institute in Tejgaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) organized the training initiative as part of the Integrated and Participatory Project to Control Noise Pollution (3rd Revised). The event featured Road Transport and Bridges and Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, who served as the chief guest.
Rizwana, who also serves as an adviser for the Information and Broadcasting and Water Resources ministries, highlighted that this marks the first practical, partnership-based effort to curb noise pollution by training drivers. She urged drivers to recognize the significance of this initiative and to partake in proper training to ensure its success in the current year.
Fouzul Kabir Khan addressed the increasing number of road accidents, expressing his personal anguish over the issue. He pointed out that despite the rising accident rates, effective solutions have not been implemented. As part of new regulations, a mandatory 60-hour training program is being introduced for drivers. This training will ensure that licenses are granted only to those who demonstrate proficiency in driving skills, physical fitness, eyesight, and other health assessments.
Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and Ministry of Railways, Dr. Sheik Moinuddin, noted the disorderly state of the transport sector in Bangladesh, despite its critical role in national development. He emphasized that the current government is implementing several initiatives to instill discipline in the sector, with the mandatory driver training program being a pivotal measure.
The event was also attended by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed and BRTA Chairman Abu Momtaz Saad Uddin Ahmed, who chaired the session. Senior government officials, leaders of transport owners’ and workers’ associations, and representatives from civil society, government, and non-government organizations were present at the event.