TBT REPORT

A new online video commercial (OVC) featuring popular actor Mosharraf Karim has gone viral for its strong message against unnecessary honking. Aimed at raising awareness among drivers, the ad has already crossed 5 million views within just five days of its release on Facebook last Friday (May 2).

As of Thursday (May 8) afternoon, the video had amassed over 5.1 million organic views and more than 230,000 reactions on Facebook.

Shared from the official “Noise Pollution Control Project by DoE” page, the video has been reposted nearly 7,000 times, according to a press release.

The advertisement is part of the Department of Environment’s social media campaign under the “Integrated and Partnership-Based Project for Controlling Noise Pollution”.

It has been directed by Mehedi Rony, with the concept and story developed by Md Nazim Uddin (Masum).

In the ad, Mosharraf Karim plays the role of a bus driver, while content creator Ripon Mia appears as the helper. With a focus on discouraging unnecessary honking, the video has received widespread appreciation from netizens.

From a Facebook profile named Zahid Kamal Palash, one comment read, “Wonderful ad. Thank you for delivering such a powerful message to the public.” Mohammad Abdur Rahim added, “A very real issue has been portrayed beautifully. Hope everyone will follow this.”

Ratri Islam simply wrote, “Outstanding advertisement.” Another comment from an account named Brishtir Daily Vlog read, “Brilliant execution. The acting was impressive. Needless honking really does harm others—and ourselves.”

Mosharraf Karim’s dialogue in the ad—“Bajabo na akarone horn, komabo shobdo-dushon” (I won’t honk unnecessarily, I’ll reduce noise pollution)—has been widely quoted in comment sections, with many urging others to follow the same principle.

Speaking on the overwhelming response, Mosharraf Karim shared with a local media, “I’ve always been open to doing work that spreads awareness. I’ve done several such projects before. I believe, as an artiste, it is my responsibility to contribute in this way. That sense of responsibility inspired me to take on this ad, and I genuinely enjoyed doing it. Now that it’s out, I’m seeing a great response. If the ad fulfils its purpose, then all our efforts will be worth it—and we’ll be inspired to do more of this kind of work.”

Apart from its content, the on-screen pairing of Mosharraf Karim and Ripon Mia has also drawn attention and praise online.

The campaign is being carried out in collaboration with Impress Telefilm Ltd, which is serving as the consulting agency for the project.