While Bangladesh's economic progress can no longer be denied, it has come at the expense of numerous liveability factors, particularly in the capital city of Dhaka.
One of the most salient of these factors is the deafening noise pollution that has unfortunately never garnered the attention it warrants - which is a shame as it is undoubtedly a major threat to public health.
Due to the centralized nature of our development, not to mention the unchecked urbanization that has become unanimous with our capital, the result has been a city where nobody can hear each other.
It is indeed a failure on the part of the authorities that we continue to fail to make Dhaka a more liveable city, and controlling noise pollution is just one of these factors.
With yesterday being International Noise Awareness Day, which seeks to make the public aware of noise pollution and the role of the authorities in curbing it, we expect more steps to be taken to bring down the decibel levels of the capital.
Imposing fines on the use of hydraulic horns, which had been outlawed but yet sees rampant usage, is one such action that can be taken with immediate effect.
While we are encouraged by the department of environment conducting anti-noise pollution campaigns across the country, these awareness campaigns cannot be limited to just one day.
It is only when the public are fully aware of the dangers of noise pollution will concrete action be taken, and Dhaka will transform into a city that is truly progressing. It's time for the authorities to listen.
