Bangladesh government urges Dhaka residents to stop unnecessary honking, enforce new noise rules and build public awareness to reduce pollution and protect health through rallies enforcement and silent zones citywide.
The government of Bangladesh has called on citizens to actively reduce unnecessary honking and other sources of noise pollution in the capital, citing public health and environmental concerns.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, government adviser on environment and climate change, urged people to change the long-standing habit of honking without cause. Speaking at the inauguration of a colourful rally on Saturday, 17 January, she said, “Unnecessary honking has been a long-standing harmful practice. Changing this habit requires not only legal enforcement but also public awareness and behavioural change.”
The event was organised under the “Integrated and Partnership-Based Project for Noise Pollution Control,” implemented by the Department of Environment (DoE) with support from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Farhina Ahmed, also attended to support public awareness initiatives.
Rizwana Hasan said the government has published the Gazette for the “Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2025,” which legally empowers both the Department of Environment and the police to take immediate action against violators. Several areas of Dhaka have already been designated as silent zones, with increased monitoring to ensure compliance.
The adviser noted that two major sources of noise pollution are being addressed: unnecessary vehicle honking and fireworks. She said fireworks should be restricted to designated areas during festivals and celebrations to prevent widespread disturbance.
She also called on the media to play an active role in promoting noise reduction, saying, “We request journalists to voluntarily spread the message and encourage people not to honk unnecessarily.” Addressing young participants, she stressed that building a social movement against noise pollution is essential to protect future generations from hearing loss and other health impacts.
The rally, held under the slogan “No More Noise Pollution, Healthy Life for All,” began at Manik Mia Avenue near the south plaza of the National Parliament, passed through Farmgate, Karwan Bazar and Bijoy Sarani and concluded at the Department of Environment headquarters in Agargaon.
Other speakers included Director General of the Department of Environment Dr Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Additional Police Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Mohammad Sarwar, Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic) Mohammad Anisur Rahman and project director Farid Ahmed. Senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Environment and Dhaka Metropolitan Police were also present.
As part of the project, mobile courts and awareness campaigns were conducted at ten key locations in Dhaka between 5 and 15 January to address noise pollution. Saturday’s motor rally marked the culmination of the 10-day campaign and aimed to reinforce public engagement and compliance.
Authorities hope the initiative will encourage lasting behavioural change, reduce noise-related health risks and strengthen enforcement of the new regulations in the capital.
