With a call to create public awareness about sound pollution, a group of BRAC Bank coworkers organized a 20 km walkathon in Dhaka, a press release said on Wednesday.
On October 20, 2023, a passionate group of 30 bankers walked from BRAC Bank’s Head Office in Tejgaon to Sadarghat and returned to the starting point covering 20 km. They wore a special jersey bearing the slogan ‘Sound Pollution is Dangerous’ signifying the criticality of pollution prevention for a peaceful and healthy life.
According to a United Nations Environment Programme report titled “Frontiers 2022: Noise, Blazes and Mismatches” Dhaka stands as the world’s noisiest city. The average noise frequency in Dhaka is 119 decibels, which is more than twice the tolerable standard. The unbearable auditory annoyance poses serious health risks to people of all ages specially children and the elderly.
Against this deafening reality of noise pollution, conscious bankers took to the street to disseminate the message of restraint when honking on the road. On the walkway in the alleys, they talked to the drivers, bikers, traffic policemen and pedestrians and informed them of the health hazards of noise pollution.
As part of the voluntary initiative titled ‘Walk for Life’, the coworkers will organize a walkathon in different parts of the city and the country to raise awareness about pressing social and health issues.
BRAC Bank’s Deputy Managing Director & COO Sabbir Hossain commented about the awareness initiative: “This is a token initiative to make people aware of the health menace of noise pollution. This small initiative will go a long way as we passionately and consistently press this issue together. Our concerted effort can make a difference and make the country a livable place for our next generation.”
