International Noise Awareness Day 2026 was observed across the country on Wednesday with discussions, rallies and mobile court drives to raise awareness about noise pollution.
The Department of Environment organised the programmes under its Integrated and Participatory Project for Noise Pollution Control, with support from divisional commissioner's offices and district administrations in all 64 districts.
A discussion was held at the Department of Environment auditorium in Dhaka to mark the day.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam attended the programme as the chief guest, said a press release.
Speaking at the event, Faridul said people usually give importance to visible forms of pollution, while noise pollution is often ignored because it is invisible.
"But the impact and health risks of noise pollution are extremely harmful," he said.
He urged all to come forward to prevent noise pollution, saying the problem could be reduced if people became more aware.
The state minister also called on social organisations to use social media to build awareness about noise pollution, saying such efforts could play an effective role alongside government initiatives.
Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, secretary in routine charge of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, presided over the programme.
Department of Environment Director General Dr Nurun Nahar; Bangladesh Road Transport Authority Chairman, additional charge, Mir Ahmed Tarikul Omar; Environment Ministry Additional Secretary Dr Md Saidur Rahman; Dhaka Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner for Traffic Md Anisur Rahman; and Department of Environment Additional Director General Md Ziaul Haque attended the event.
Nurun Nahar said the Department of Environment has been working to control noise pollution through regular mobile court drives, awareness campaigns and training programmes.
Anisur Rahman said the Dhaka Metropolitan Police traffic division has filed 17,000 cases and realised Tk2 crore in fines since traffic police were empowered under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2025.
Navid Shafiullah said noise pollution is a man-made form of pollution that is increasing at an alarming rate, causing health problems, including hearing loss.
Speakers stressed public awareness and proper enforcement of laws to curb noise pollution.
Representatives from government agencies, law enforcement bodies, scouts, guides and environmental organisations attended the programme.
Banners and festoons were placed on footbridges and other visible points on major roads in Dhaka, while display advertisements were published in national dailies to mark the day.
