Photo: Collected
Dignitaries in Barishal, including senior leaders for local units of three major political parties, have echoed raising social movement against hydraulic horns to protect people from health hazards.
Speakers urged the authorities to address the issue of noise pollution and safety hazards caused by the use of hydraulic horns during a rally at the Euro Convetion Centre in Barishal on Saturday (13 July), according to a press release.
With support from the USAID-funded SPL project, the Mult-Party Advocacy Forum (MAF) organised the campaign in association with Democracy International Bangladesh.
Awami League district unit General Secretary Talukder Md Yunus, BNP District (South) unit Member Secretary Abul Kalam Shaheen, and Jatiya Party district unit convener Murtaza Abedin extended their support to the advocacy campaign.
This event aimed to bring attention to the detrimental effects of hydraulic horns, which contribute significantly to noise pollution and pose safety risks to the public. By discouraging the sale and use of these horns, the initiative seeks to create a quieter and safer environment for all residents of Barishal City, it said.
BRTA Divisional Director (Engineering) Ziaur Rahman, Barisal Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Latif, Press Club General Secretary Zakir Hossain, and Democracy International Bangladesh Deputy Director Dipu Hafizur Rahman, among other local dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
Sharing the health risks of hydraulic horns, Dr Belal Hossain, a physician at Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, said severe noise pollution causes mental and physical problems, including deafness.
He added that there may be problems with heart disease, including loss of appetite, increased blood pressure, an inability to concentrate on work, and ringing in the ears. “Due to loud noise, children can get scared and suffer from mental problems.”
Hydraulic horns are banned in Bangladesh, but the ban is not enforced effectively.
Hydraulic horns contribute significantly to sound pollution, causing serious health issues, particularly in children, the release also said.
World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that exposure to 60 dB can cause temporary deafness, while exposure to 100 dB can lead to complete deafness.
During the procession, participants distributed informational leaflets in local shops to educate shop owners and the community about the negative impacts of hydraulic horns and discourage their sales.
MAF organiser Moazzem Hossain Chunnu, Senior Joint Convener AKM Mostafa, member Farzana Rosy, and youth of various organisations, officials from the traffic department, and Democracy International Bangladesh joined the campaign, among others.
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