Celebrations with loud music on rooftop

THERE was shocking news in the media recently about a septuagenarian old man who fell sick and died of physical beating following his protest to loud music in a premarital event (Gaye Holud) held in an apartment at R. K. Mission Road, Dhaka.

There are plenty of occasions during a year when music is played in excessively high volume at night. In last 25 years of my life at Dhaka I encountered similar experience on countless occasions. Such events are mostly arranged on rooftops of apartment buildings and although the events are arranged with the consent of the guardians of teenage organizers concerned they annoy the neighbours and incur their displeasures and at times lead to deterioration of health conditions of elderly people. The newspaper report under reference was the result of such an event when celebrations were being held at roof top on some family occasion regardless of the annoyance and inconvenience caused to nearby people. Such occasions are also sometimes seen to create chaos among the neighbours. I remember one of my house owner's sons fell down from the roof top of a five-storied building while celebrating 31st night along with some of his friends. His life could be saved but the injury inflicted an irreparable damage to his body. I am surprised why such events could not be arranged in open spaces on the ground or inside house. When such events are meant for the invited guests, they could easily be held indoors.

Md. Zillur Rahaman

Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd

Lalmohan Branch, Bhola

[email protected]