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Uber has pledged to reduce noise pollution by encouraging drivers to be responsible when honking as it marks its fifth anniversary in Bangladesh.
It also marked ‘No Honking Day’ to raise awareness about the negative effects of noise pollution on health and wellness, said a media release on Thursday. The ‘No Honking Day’ initiative marks Uber’s stand against excessive and unnecessary honking.
Hosted by Prothom Alo, a stakeholder roundtable was held attended by experts and environmentalists, including Md. Ziaul Haque, Deputy Director, Dhaka Region, Department of Environment, Syed Nazrul Islam, BPM (bar) PPM Joint Commissioner, Traffic (south), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Chief Executive, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Dr Fahmida Khatun, ED, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) as well as Uber officials.
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According to the noise pollution control guidelines for Dhaka,Uber said, the maximum noise level during daytime for quiet zones is 50 decibels, in residential zones 55 decibels, and in mixed zones 60 decibels.
However, in reality, those levels exceed 120 decibels, leading to numerous health and wellness problems in residents.
Marking its fifth anniversary, Uber also announced the first ever “Hero Driver Partner Awards” to recognise, appreciate and celebrate their contributions in this journey.
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Three car drivers and two moto drivers were awarded this year. Each awardee received a cash award of Tk 25,000 and a trophy.