Government Takes Strict Stance to Curb Unnecessary Honking

Speaking on Sunday morning January 25 during an integrated drive to enforce "silent zones" near the airport, she emphasized that while laws are essential, public awareness is the key to building a society free from noise pollution. She noted that a peaceful environment can only be ensured if everyone remains conscious of their responsibilities.

The Advisor identified drivers' habitual honking as the primary obstacle to controlling noise pollution. To address this, specialized training for drivers has already commenced through the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). Additionally, 50 modern "Sound Level Meters" have been deployed to accurately monitor noise levels and detect illegal honking. The government plans to expand the use of these monitoring devices in phases across the city.

Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the initiative to make the airport area horn-free would serve as a model for the rest of the country. The lessons learned from this project will be applied to implement silent zones around hospitals and other critical areas in the capital. She reaffirmed the government’s "zero-tolerance" policy regarding noise pollution to protect public health and the environment.

The operation was attended by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, along with senior officials from the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Traffic Police. The DNCC Administrator stated that maintaining silence at major entry points like the airport marks the beginning of a positive city-wide change. The DoE confirmed that immediate legal action is being taken against violators alongside regular surveillance.