The government would finalise the necessary rules for controlling noise pollution by this month (December), Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said on Friday.
"Just imposing jail terms and fines is not enough. We need to develop awareness among people and practice responsible behaviour to control noise pollution."
She said these while speaking as the chief guest at an awareness-building programme on noise pollution control in front of the Gulshan Society Jame Mosque in the capital.
The adviser noted that noise pollution has an adverse effect on people's physical and mental health. Everyone's cooperation is needed to control it.
Addressing motorists, she said, "Don't honk. Think of it as wastage. Reducing the vehicle speed will also reduce the risk of accidents."
Stating that special initiatives would be taken to control noise pollution in 10 areas of Dhaka, she said it is possible to build a liveable city - free of noise pollution, if everyone is aware.
RAJUK Chairman Major General (Retd) Md. Siddiqur Rahman Sarkar, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md. Mahmudul Hasan, Noise Pollution Control Project Director Syeda Masuma Khanam, and Gulshan Society President Omar Sadat, Vice President Syed Almas Kabir and Secretary General Syed Ahsan Habib were present, among others.
After the event, the adviser also visited the Gulshan Lake, and suggested setting up a sewage treatment plant.
Meanwhile, on the closing ceremony of the 2nd Conference on Bangladesh Energy Prosperity 2050 on the same day, Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the need for ensuring energy sovereignty and inclusive energy transition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She stated that Bangladesh's energy future must focus on clean, affordable and reliable systems while addressing the issues like climate change and energy equity.
"An opportunity for change has come in the country's energy sector. We need to find a way to achieve energy sovereignty. The government will continue its efforts to meet demands of the civil society in this regard. A dialogue is needed to decide whether the energy policy should be revised or changed."
The adviser highlighted the need for innovation, capacity building, and regional cooperation to harness renewable energy potentials.
"Our journey towards attaining energy prosperity in 2050 requires collective efforts from policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and citizens," she added.
The conference included discussions on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and innovative financing mechanisms, where the participants explored ways to reduce dependency on fossil fuels while ensuring energy access for all.
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