Noise Pollution in Dhaka

[raiba-jabbar]

The Deafening Symphony: Noise Pollution in Dhaka

Walking through Dhaka feels like navigating a chaotic orchestra, where every honk, hammer, and shout is a relentless crescendo. For many, this cacophony is just background noise, but for students like Rumi—who lives by one of Dhaka’s main roads—it’s a nightmare that never ends.

The Daily Struggles

Every night, Rumi fights a losing battle. Between the ceaseless blaring of horns and the clatter of construction, her attempts to study or sleep are futile. This noise doesn’t just keep her awake; it seeps into her days, leaving her groggy, distracted, and unproductive. Recently, she confided to me, “Even when the noise stops for a moment, it’s like it’s still in my head.” Rumi’s grades have started slipping—not because she lacks the drive, but because she lacks peace.
As someone who teaches English to students aiming to shape their futures, I’ve seen how critical a conducive environment is for learning. It breaks my heart to watch bright minds dim under the weight of something as avoidable as noise pollution.

A Silent Crisis

Noise pollution in Dhaka is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a crisis. Studies reveal that sound levels in key areas often exceed 120 decibels—equivalent to standing next to a jet engine. This unrelenting noise disrupts concentration, sleep, and even physical health, leading to increased stress and heart problems.
For the residents of Dhaka, this isn’t just science; it’s daily life. From Gulshan’s commercial zones to Uttara’s residential neighborhoods, the roar of engines and the clamor of construction dominate. But while adults might find ways to cope, students and children are often the hardest hit, robbed of the focus they need to thrive.

A Personal Encounter with the Roar

Growing up in Dhaka, I often felt like the city was alive—a vibrant, pulsing entity. But as I entered adulthood, the constant noise shifted from a backdrop to an overbearing presence. I remember preparing for university exams, trying to focus on market research concepts, while trucks rumbled by our street. Some nights, the noise felt so relentless I found solace only in headphones blasting white noise.
This personal struggle became more poignant during my recent projects, including promoting startups like "Baaki." I’ve learned that in a world increasingly driven by digital noise, finding physical silence is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity.


Possible Solutions: From Chaos to Harmony

To combat this, we must act:

Policy Implementation: Stricter regulations on vehicle horns and construction work at night.
Urban Planning: Sound barriers and green zones in residential areas.

Community Awareness: Campaigns to educate on the detrimental effects of noise pollution.

The Bigger Picture

If Dhaka continues to grow without addressing noise pollution, we risk creating a generation that struggles with health issues, inefficiency, and mental fatigue. Rumi’s story is a stark reminder of what’s at stake.
Let’s not let the noise drown out the voices of those who will shape our future. Instead, let’s work towards a city where silence, like learning, is golden.