Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today spoke at a consultation held at the Department of Environment with prominent Islamic scholars from across the country. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Aug 4, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today sought support from Islamic scholars in addressing noise pollution. 

She expressed hope that the scholars would submit concrete action plans to aid in this effort.

Speaking at a consultation held at the Department of Environment with prominent Islamic scholars from across the country, the environment adviser noted that incorporating environmental messages—such as the importance of reducing plastic pollution, preventing hill cutting, and stopping illegal stone extraction — into religious sermons could effectively influence behavioral change among commoners.

She said in many countries, noise pollution has been significantly reduced through the combined efforts of governments and citizens. 

“We want to implement similar initiatives in Bangladesh. We don’t want to stop at speeches—we are ready to take real action. We must develop a regulated noise management system in concerts, ambulance use, and the transport sector,” Rizwana said. 

Speaking at the meeting, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain said Islamic scriptures, including Hadiths, clearly advocate for moderation in noise. 

Using loudspeakers at high volumes late at night disrupts the sleep of children, the elderly, and the ill, and causes harm beyond mere hearing issues—it can negatively affect the nervous system, he said. 

He also stated that unnecessary honking and loud sounds go against the teachings of Islam. 

Dr. Hossain urged Islamic scholars to raise public awareness to prevent all forms of pollution.

 Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman NDC, Director General of the Department of Environment; Professor Dr. Kamrul Hasan Torofdar, Secretary General of the ENT Head-Neck Cancer Foundation; Md. Abdullah Al Masud, Director (Deputy Secretary, Administration), Department of Environment; and Farid Ahmed, Project Director of the Integrated and Participatory Noise Control Project, also spoke. 

Islamic scholars present at the meeting agreed to provide a set of recommendations to the government on noise pollution control. 

Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan pledged to disseminate Quran- and Hadith-based environmental messages to raise public awareness. 

She concluded by saying, "With collective efforts rooted in religious values, we can build an environmentally conscious Bangladesh."