KHULNA, March 15, 2023 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin today directed the field level administration to take exemplary punishment against hydraulic horn users and sound polluters by conducting regular mobile courts.
He came up with the directives while addressing a workshop at Khulna District Shilpakala Academy auditorium here, a ministry press release said.
Speaking as the chief guest, Shahab Uddin said all should work together to check sound pollution.
"Considering the harmful aspects of sound pollution, the government is committed to taking effective measures to control it. For this reason, initiatives have been taken to increase public awareness and update the rules and regulations," he said.
He said the use of unnecessary loud speakers should be stopped in political, religious and cultural events.
Shahab Uddin called upon all religious leaders, including imams and priests, to speak on the issue to increase public awareness.
He said teachers, students and journalists can play an important role in making people aware about this issue.
Urging drivers not to produce excessive honking and ensuring use of hydraulic horns, the minister said transport owners and users can play a good role in this regard.
Pointing out that there is a shortage of manpower in the Department of Environment (DoE), he said he wants everyone's cooperation to this end.
Shahab Uddin also urged Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and police to take legal actions against the manufacturing, marketing and use of hydraulic horns.
He asked BRTA not to issue fitness certificates to the vehicles using hydraulic horns and high-volume horns.
Chaired by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Zillur Rahman Chowdhury, the workshop was addressed, among others, by Deputy Minister for Environment, Forest and Change Habibun Nahar, Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr Abdul Hamid, Additional Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police Sardar Rakibul Islam, Additional Deputy Inspector General of Police of Khulna Range Md Iqbal, Khulna District Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Yasir Arefin and Prof Dr Md Kamruzzaman of Khulna Medical College.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)