Starting in December, Bangladesh’s caretaker government announced strict penalties for the use of horns in Dhaka, with fines of Tk 500 for first-time offenders and then a higher fine for repeat offenders. This initiative aims to eliminate the omnipresent noise pollution caused by horns, starting with key districts of the capital, before extending to the entire city and, ultimately, to other departmental capitals.

The Councilor for Environment, Forests and Climate Change stressed the need to raise public awareness to change the old habit of honking before enforcing the law. This plan consists of raising awareness among drivers and the general population of the negative impacts of noise pollution before introducing fines.

However, it is crucial to recognize that noise pollution in Dhaka is not limited to honking horns; it also comes from loudspeakers, advertising and construction activities. The caretaker government has expressed its commitment to creating a “low noise” country by reducing all forms of noise pollution.

Since October 1, a three-kilometer radius around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has been designated as a “quiet zone,” where honking is strictly prohibited, with fines or imprisonment for violators.

The question that arises is whether this is the first time that a decision has been made to limit horns? The answer is a resounding no. Previous efforts have been launched and laws established, but effective enforcement has been conspicuously lacking. Given the social realities in Dhaka, can simply instituting fines lead to a sudden reduction in honking? Without addressing the underlying problems and adding comprehensive measures, this initiative risks becoming yet another broken promise.

In 2017, hydraulic horns were banned, but no action was taken against other high-decibel horns. Reports indicate that some horns produce noise levels as high as 110 decibels. Even though imports of such horns are not controlled, the horn itself seems secondary when the main problem – the importation of horns that are too loud – has not been properly addressed.

The Ministry of Environment’s actions against honking often seem sporadic and event-driven. Although the Road Transport Act provides for a fine of 10,000 taka for using loud horns, this measure has never been enforced. Frustrated citizens have expressed irritation at the usual horn-tooting, with awareness campaigns on social media and elsewhere yielding little substantive change. Without sustained actions throughout the year, these campaigns serve more as announcements than solutions.

Although the ministry has announced the maximum decibel levels allowed for honking in Dhaka, no initiatives exist to ensure that vehicles or motorcycles comply with these regulations during manufacturing or assembly. Automakers themselves have noted that while hydraulic horns are banned, there are no clear guidelines regarding other types of horns.

In 2007, a ban on honking was announced on several roads in Dhaka, followed by reports of daily fines imposed by authorities. Today, however, such enforcement appears nonexistent, as horns continue to blare throughout the city. Many drivers do not perceive honking as an infraction.

Noise pollution control rules established in 2006 set acceptable noise levels in different areas of the capital, allowing a maximum of 40 decibels at night in quiet zones and 50 decibels during the day. In residential areas, these figures rise to 45 and 55 decibels, respectively. Since a vehicle is equipped with only one horn, it should theoretically not exceed 40 decibels. However, environmental monitoring has consistently shown that many horns in Dhaka exceed these levels.

This noise pollution has a considerable impact on public health. A study found that 42 percent of rickshaw drivers suffer hearing problems due to exposure to high-decibel horns, while 11.8 percent of traffic police officers suffered hearing damage .

The government’s lack of attention to this issue has hampered significant progress. However, effective regulation could yield positive results, as evidenced by increased helmet use among motorcyclists. Just a few years ago, helmet use was minimal, but regulations now make it mandatory for drivers and passengers.

Discussions around air pollution often overlook the critical aspect of noise pollution, resulting in it remaining a low priority for the Ministry of the Environment, which tends to focus on event-based initiatives. Tackling noise pollution requires continuous and systematic action, not just temporary measures.

Two key factors must be prioritized: creating and enforcing laws, and raising public awareness. Unfortunately, actions in these areas have been insufficient.

Regulations should require that no horns exceeding 40 decibels may be used in the manufacturing or importation process. Without meters to measure decibel levels, individuals cannot know whether they are using a 40 or 60 decibel horn. Therefore, effective control must take place during production and distribution, clearly asking manufacturers to restrict the use of horns exceeding 40 decibels. Many developed countries, as well as our neighboring countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka, have successfully reduced the use of horn. In many countries, horns are inaudible from a distance of 3 meters, but in Bangladesh they can be heard half a kilometer or more away.

Surveys of people with hearing loss reveal that seven percent have suffered such severe damage that they now need hearing aids. Additionally, 14% have experienced significant hearing loss and may soon need hearing aids.

The negative health impacts of noise pollution from horns and loudspeakers extend far beyond hearing loss. Prolonged exposure can lead to high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, irritability and various mental health problems. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are at particular risk, as excessive noise can hinder children’s development and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in older adults.

In terms of profession; The people most affected by this problem are rickshaw drivers, bus and truck drivers, and traffic police, as they spend the most time on the road. However, there seems to be little awareness of these dangers.

Even if we recognize the problems and the urgency of imposing fines, is it enough? Certainly not. A comprehensive approach is necessary. Let’s discuss additional integrated measures that can be taken.

On the one hand, imposing fines for honking poses certain challenges. Given the severe traffic jams and the massive presence of vehicles, drivers and pedestrians are accustomed to a noisy environment. Many drivers may refrain from using their horn in an emergency for fear of penalties, which could lead to accidents. Additionally, a significant number of pedestrians ignore footbridges and use the road unpredictably. Public awareness campaigns must therefore precede any implementation of fines, as well as stricter laws promoting the use of footbridges and pedestrian crossings.

The first priority must be to strictly ban the importation and use of high decibel horns. We need to address the root cause by tackling the main sources of noise pollution. This includes improving road infrastructure, building new roads and planning alternative traffic management systems.

Specific lanes should be allocated to ambulances and emergency services to speed up their response times, while regular traffic must give way. The number of public transport options, such as buses, metro lines and trains, should be increased and optimized for efficiency.

It is also essential to regulate the number of microbuses and rickshaws on urban roads, including by properly registering them. Advanced technology should be used to control the level of horns, such as the introduction of automatic horn noise reduction devices.

Public awareness campaigns should address road safety, environmental awareness and the harmful effects of honking. Stricter enforcement of fines for honking in congested areas is also essential and continued public education on this subject must be a priority.

Finally, implementing intelligent traffic systems leveraging modern technology can improve vehicle and traffic management. Authorities should strengthen monitoring of illegal parking along roads and establish designated parking zones. Banning heavy vehicles from residential areas will also alleviate noise pollution and traffic congestion.

By adopting these measures, we can significantly reduce honking and traffic jams in Dhaka. Comprehensive and coordinated actions must follow the fines. Without these efforts, reducing incessant noise pollution will remain difficult to achieve.

Dr Rakib Al Hasan is an internationally award-winning young Bangladeshi doctor, author, activist and youth leader. He is the founder and executive director of the Center for Partnership Initiative. He can be reached at (protected email). His X handle (former Twitter) is @rakibalhasan_bd

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

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