Bangladesh has started enforcing stricter noise pollution rules, allowing police to fine motorists for illegal horn use, aiming to reduce health risks and improve urban livability across major cities nationwide.
Bangladesh has begun enforcing stricter measures against noise pollution, with police authorised to impose on-the-spot fines on motorists who use vehicle horns in violation of newly gazetted regulations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said on Thursday.
In a notification issued on January 8, the ministry said the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025, were gazetted on November 24 as part of efforts to strengthen environmental governance and protect public health. Under Rule 6 of the regulations, no individual is allowed to install or use horns on motor vehicles or watercraft that exceed approved sound limits.
The rules also prohibit the use of horns at night in residential areas and at any time in designated silent zones, including areas around hospitals, educational institutions and courts.
According to Rule 20, police officers have been empowered to impose fines for violations of the regulations. Officials said enforcement will be carried out in coordination with traffic police and local administrations.
The ministry said excessive noise pollution poses serious and multi-dimensional risks to public health. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to hearing loss partial or complete deafness heart disease high blood pressure sleep disorders stress and impaired concentration, officials said.
The statement also warned of heightened risks for pregnant women, including miscarriage and the possibility of hearing impairment or special needs among unborn children.
Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to noise pollution, including hospital patients students traffic police rickshaw and vehicle drivers pedestrians workers operating near high-noise sources and residents living close to busy roads and industrial areas, the ministry said.
Officials added that unchecked noise pollution is undermining the country’s human capital and having a negative impact on overall economic productivity.
Bangladesh has long struggled to enforce noise control laws, especially in major cities such as Dhaka, where traffic congestion unregulated horn use and construction activity contribute to persistently high noise levels.
The ministry said public awareness campaigns will be needed alongside enforcement to ensure compliance, urging citizens and transport operators to follow the rules to help create quieter safer and more liveable urban environments.
