Sound pollution caused by excessive honking is a major issue on the country's university campuses, said Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today.

The adviser made the remark during the inauguration ceremony of the "Chattogram Research and Innovation Fair 2025 on Chittagong University campus. Jamal Nazrul Islam Research Center for Mathematics and Physical Sciences organised the event.

"Many people in the country are unaware that honking is both harmful to human health and illegal. Some intentionally use horns excessively. If awareness can be spread among the public, it may help reduce sound pollution," she said.

Highlighting the contribution of country's farmers, Rizwana pointed out that research isn't limited to teachers.

Many farmers in Bangladesh are also engaged in research and have already developed new varieties using traditional methods, she said.

She emphasised that the most crucial aspect of research is objectivity. If research is conducted within a government institution, the results should not be manipulated to fit the institution's preferences.

The research fair saw participation from over 100 schools, colleges, and university departments, along with research laboratories and institutes from within and beyond the Chattogram Division.

More than 190 stalls showcased research works and contributions from the past year.

CU Vice-Chancellor DR Muhammad Yeahia Akhter stressed on the importance of reforming the education systems, saying neglecting this sector is not an option as it is considered as the backbone of a nation.

The VC urged the government to take steps -- whether by forming a commission or through other means -- to make education student-friendly and research-oriented.

CU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Shamim Uddin Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Kamal Uddin, Dean of the Faculty of Science Professor Dr Al-Amin, Dr Yasser Khan, a google award-winning researcher and teacher of the University of Southern California, were present at the event.