College teacher protests noise pollution by banging plates at UNO office

A college teacher in Nalitabari, Sherpur, staged an unusual protest against loudspeaker noise pollution by banging plates and spoons in front of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer's office on Sunday morning, July 12.

Md Nuruzzaman, a Bengali lecturer at Hazi Nurul Haq Noni Para Gaon Maitri College, carried out the 10-minute protest in front of the main gate of the upazila parishad around 11:30 am. He wore a banner reading "Stop Noise Pollution, Demand a Safe World" and plugged his ears with cotton while banging plates.

Nuruzzaman said loud music from weddings and other events continues late at night even during the ongoing HSC examinations, disrupting students' studies and normal life. His personal requests had gone unheeded.

Passers-by and local shopkeepers later joined him in solidarity. After the protest, he submitted a six-point memorandum to the UNO, demanding a ban on loudspeakers after 10 pm, declaring residential areas as silent zones, and regular mobile court drives.

UNO Md Abdul Malek said he has received the memorandum and will take necessary measures to control noise pollution.