BRTA and Islamic Foundation Officers Trained to Combat Noise Pollution

The Honourable Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, called on BRTA and Islamic Foundation trainers and officers to take an active role in controlling noise pollution. She delivered this message as the chief guest at a day-long ToT (Training of Trainers) session organised by the Department of Environment under the "Integrated and Participatory Project for Noise Pollution Control." The event, held at the Department of Environment's auditorium, brought together 120 field-level trainers and officers from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the Islamic Foundation.

The Honourable Adviser referenced religious teachings in her address, stating, "Our religion also teaches us to lower our voices and discourages making loud noises." She urged imams and khatibs, "Since you have a significant influence in society, use your platform to raise awareness about the harmful effects of noise pollution."

Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, attended as a special guest, and the event was chaired by the Director General (Grade-1) of the Department of Environment, Dr. Abdul Hamid.

Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed emphasised, "Raise awareness about noise pollution during Friday prayers and other religious events to ensure the success of today's training."

The ToT training aims to equip BRTA and Islamic Foundation field trainers and officers with the knowledge to incorporate discussions on noise pollution in their regular activities. Organisers believe this initiative will play a vital role in controlling noise pollution across the country.

The training featured expert speakers, including Dr. Husne Komor Osmani, Professor of ENT at Dhaka Medical College; Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, Director of the Law and Estate Division at Islamic Foundation; Sheikh Mohammad Mahbub-e-Rabbani, Director (Training) at BRTA Headquarters; and Md. Rezzakul Haider, Director of the Imam Training Academy at Islamic Foundation.

Syeda Masuma Khanom, Director (Joint Secretary) of the Department of Environment and Project Director of the "Integrated and Participatory Project for Noise Pollution Control," extended her gratitude to all participants.