The government is set to implement a gradual ban on vehicle honking across Dhaka city by December, with the goal of making the entire capital a “quiet zone” by early next year, according to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. This initiative is part of a larger effort to combat noise pollution, which will later expand to other major cities in Bangladesh. In an exclusive interview with UNB, Rizwana Hasan revealed that steps are already underway, starting with key areas of Dhaka. She emphasized that the government is prioritizing public awareness campaigns before enforcing penalties. The initiative aims to address the deep-rooted habit of honking in urban areas. Adviser Rizwana explained that the process would begin with a comprehensive public awareness campaign, followed by strict enforcement of laws against unnecessary honking. Starting in December, drivers caught honking without cause will face a 500 taka fine for the first violation, with increased penalties for repeat offenses. Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana urges for using alternatives to polythene shopping bags “Changing habits will take time, but with proper education and enforcement, we can significantly reduce honking,” she said. She stressed the importance of educating both drivers and the general public before fines are imposed, underscoring the need for a shift in public behavior regarding noise pollution. The adviser highlighted the growing concern over the health risks posed by constant noise pollution. “Unnecessary honking and loudspeakers are disrupting normal life and contributing to serious health issues,” she said, adding that noise pollution is linked to hearing loss, heart disease, high blood pressure, and neurological disorders. “Now is the time to address noise pollution alongside other forms of environmental degradation if we want to ensure sustainable socio-economic development,” Rizwana added. Rizwana Hasan also pointed out the cultural and religious significance of reducing noise. She referenced Islamic teachings that encourage speaking in lower tones to avoid causing discomfort to others. “True power lies in reasoned communication, not in volume,” she said, urging drivers to consider whether honking is necessary, particularly when traffic lights turn green. She called on both drivers and the public to pledge to stop unnecessary honking, adding that restrictions on honking would soon be part of vehicle license renewal requirements. “We need collective efforts to bring about real change,” she said. As part of this initiative, on October 1, the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and its surrounding three-km radius were declared a “quiet zone,” where honking is strictly prohibited. Violators in this area may face fines or even imprisonment. Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), confirmed that the quiet zone extends from Scholastica school to the Le Meridien Hotel. 3-km area of Dhaka airport ‘Silent Zone’ from today This follows a series of measures implemented at the airport to make the area noise-free. The official launch of this quiet zone was overseen by Rizwana Hasan on October 1, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing noise pollution in the city’s most sensitive areas. Moving forward, the government plans to introduce similar noise reduction initiatives in other major cities. Rizwana Hasan called on citizens to support the program, highlighting the importance of creating a culture that discourages excessive noise for the well-being of all. “If we can stop honking, especially in large vehicles like buses and trucks, we can prevent many serious health issues,” she said, noting that other sources of noise pollution, such as loudspeakers and construction work, must also be addressed. Noise pollution: The lethal soundtrack to life in Dhaka

Noise pollution levels in Dhaka city are reaching alarming heights, severely impacting the daily lives of its residents. Increasing traffic, unnecessary honking, rampant use of loudspeakers, and other sources of high-decibel noise are disrupting the capital’s normalcy. Despite existing laws, there is a notable lack of effective enforcement. Residents across Dhaka are facing significant health risks due to excessive noise. Many are experiencing hearing loss, with school and university students among the most affected. Children, the elderly, and patients are particularly vulnerable, with traffic police also unable to escape the noise onslaught. Experts highlight that public awareness about the dangers of noise pollution remains low. Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder of Stamford University’s Environmental Science Department pointed out, “Unnecessary honking, loudspeakers, and construction noise are making daily life unbearable. This issue is not just about physical health; it also affects mental well-being and even hampers urban plant reproduction and crop yields.” Prof Majumder added that controlling rampant horn usage alone could reduce Dhaka’s noise pollution by 60%. However, poor law enforcement in this regard hinder progress. “We have laws, but their implementation is almost non-existent. For instance, the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006 mandate quiet zones around schools, hospitals, and mosques, but these are rarely enforced.” Motorists to be trained to control noise pollution: Environment Minister Health professionals are raising alarms about the long-term impacts of noise pollution. Prof Dr Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Director General (DG), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), explained, “Noise levels in Dhaka are more than double the acceptable limits, leading to serious physical and mental health issues. Beyond hearing loss, there is an increase in diabetes and heart complications. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are particularly at risk. Exposure to noise levels of 120 decibels can cause immediate hearing damage, while consistent exposure to 85 decibels for two hours daily can gradually deteriorate hearing.” Experts emphasize the need for long-term planning and stricter enforcement of existing laws. “Countries with advanced noise control measures impose fines for unnecessary horn usage. We need similar robust enforcement here,” Prof Majumder urged. He also called for increased public awareness and adherence to noise control measures, including avoiding unnecessary use of headphones. The Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) at Stamford University conducted a year-long study from April 2021 to March 2022, examining noise levels at ten locations in Dhaka. The research revealed that noise exceeded acceptable limits in all surveyed areas. Specifically, 96.7% of the time in quiet zones, 91.2% in residential areas, 83.2% in mixed-use areas, 61% in commercial areas, and 18.2% in industrial areas, the noise levels surpassed the standard thresholds. Noise pollution awareness campaign: One-minute silence to be observed in Dhaka Oct 15 CAPS’s findings underscore the pervasive nature of noise pollution in Dhaka, with 82% of all monitored locations exceeding 60 decibels consistently. Despite the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006, which set permissible noise levels at 45 decibels at night and 55 during the day for residential areas, and 60 decibels at night and 70 during the day for commercial areas, enforcement remains a significant challenge. The situation in Dhaka demands immediate and comprehensive action. Strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing public awareness, and enforcing noise control measures are critical steps toward mitigating the city’s noise pollution crisis. Without decisive action, the health and well-being of Dhaka’s residents will continue to deteriorate under the relentless assault of noise pollution. Urban noise pollution, wildfires among biggest emerging environmental threats: UN