Noise levels in big cities, particularly Dhaka, are constantly higher than what is considered tolerable. According to a report of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) published in 2022, out of the 61 most populous cities worldwide, Dhaka has the greatest level of noise pollution. Residents of Dhaka are subjected to such loud noises for 13 to 14 hours every day on average. Unrelenting exposure to excessive noise has detrimental effects on one's mental and physical health, regardless of the source—traffic, construction, industrial, or covert sources in residential neighborhoods.
While I was working late for meeting a deadline, a congregation that meets next to my house had a loudspeaker pointed at our apartment, speaking loudly at a ridiculous volume. It includes various features of amplifiers. They seem to hover in a weird pleasure, untouched by the suffering of those around them, because they enjoy such unrestrained freedom. Arriving like winter visitors, they block roads near residential homes, peddle religious publications, construct dozens of mikes, perform waz mahfil and gather murids, members, and donations.
Numerous Hadiths and verses in the Holy Quran support the idea that noise pollution is a serious crime. I gave some of them a try: ‘and remember your Lord within yourself humbly and fearing and in a voice not loud in the morning and the evening and be not of the heedless ones’ (Verse 7:205). According to a Hadith attributed to Abu Saeed (RA), the Prophet (SAWS) stated: ‘He was in the mosque when he heard the Companions’ loud recitation of the Quran. After taking off the veil, he remarked, ‘Surely you are all in the company of Allah. Therefore, when reciting the Quran or praying, do not agitate one another or raise your voice’. It is abundantly evident from the discussion above that noise pollution is prohibited in Islam. It is abandoned, wicked, and anti-human. What could be more oppressive to an individual? These devout folks, in my opinion, are very aware of these Hadiths and Quranic texts. However, how did we abandon them from their long-standing business?
The origins of noise pollution are numerous. I am not sure if patriotic songs are that prevalent in other parts of the world. I enjoyed every song I heard. On different national holidays, a patriotic song is played on one side of the road while the national anthem is played on the microphone on the other side. Music cannot be appreciated in those vile noise competitions. But the party leaders’ precarious positions have undoubted matured in the long winter night and the wave of patriotism! However, it is undeniable that the excessive and disliked use of the microphone violates the people’s keen and strong feeling of patriotism. How is this possible, ask brothers and friends who live in DOHS and upscale neighborhoods? It happens often in Mirpur, where the middle class is at its highest!
The grandiose attempts to demonstrate one’s greatness as a politician or patriotic leader by setting up a stage on the road, playing loud cassettes on the sides of the road, in local stores, or at someone’s house, and playing loud music at various events in the homes of prominent people are more involved in the noise pollution line. How happy they were to have such unrestricted freedom; Gentiles revel in their happiness while remaining oblivious to the pain of others. They might not be aware that noise pollution is a deadly cause of indigestion, headaches, peptic ulcers, insomnia, high blood pressure, restlessness, and hearing loss!
Currently, Dhaka’s average noise level is 119 dB, which is twice the acceptable level. The World Health Organization states that noise level above 60 dB might result in temporary deafness while noise level above 100 dB can result in permanent deafness. The Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2006, which was issued by the government, established precise rules about noise pollution and the level of noise that is permitted in certain locations. The guidelines have clustered five sorts of places: silent zones, residential areas, mixed areas, commercial areas, and industrial regions. Regretfully, we have not observed any monitoring system from the relevant authorities to reduce noise pollution especially nobody is bothered by domestic abuse. The government is in charge of containing this threat, but we, the people, also have a part to play. We cannot just be that indifferent and let continue. We must acknowledge that domestic noise pollution is a severe issue and act quickly to limit it. The regulations must be rigorously followed in cooperation with all pertinent ministries, departments, and law enforcement in order to address this issue and provide a safe and healthy soundscape.
The writer is Senior Assistant Secretary pursuing MPA at BIGM
BDST: 1305 HRS, OCT 15, 2024
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