The campus of Dhaka University has become a meeting place of different types of people. Not only the students, but outsiders also frequently visit there mainly for recreational activities. But these activities are often to blame for loud noise on the campus. Students cannot concentrate on their study because of this noise. Particularly during exams, the sound becomes unbearable. Ahead of the upcoming national election, different political parties regularly hold rallies on the campus. This distracts students' attention to the class lectures as well as concentration during exams. Also, there are many kinds of programmes including concerts, which are held every now and then. Moreover, honking by cars is quite common on the campus and at TSC (teacher student centre) areas. As a result, the students in the adjacent Shamsunnahar Hall, Ruqayyah Hall and Dhaka University Central Library are facing difficulties to concentrate on their studies. This noise pollution is greatly affecting the mental health of the students.
In Bangladesh, the rules of noise pollution control describe in detail the permissible limit of sound at different places and times of the day. And if these rules are not followed, there is a provision of appropriate punishment. According to the law, hospitals, educational institutions, offices and courts have been declared quiet places. In these places, noise level cannot go beyond 40 decibels at night and 50 decibels during the day. So, the authorities concerned should consider the issue of noise pollution on DU campus and take necessary action to control it. It is also very important that the university administration formulate a rule to regulate the types of programmes that can be held on the campus. And there must be some restrictions on the use of loudspeakers.
Sania Islam,
Student of Department of History,
University of Dhaka, Dhaka,
saniaislam677@gmail.com