10 more roads in Dhaka to go horn-free in January

These changes increase Dhaka’s silent zones to 15, nationwide to 22

Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has suggested designating 10 additional roads in Dhaka as silent zones to help curb pollution.

Speaking at an event on Monday, she noted that these roads would be declared horn-free in January of 2025.

The advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said, “Necessary laws will be amended to make the country horn-free. To assist in the effort, everyone should drive their cars in a controlled manner and reduce the use of horns.”

With these changes, the number of silent zones in Dhaka will rise to 15, taking the total number of 'quiet areas' identified by the Department of Environment to 22 nationwide.

Recently, the area around Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, spanning 1.5 kilometres from Scholastica School to Hotel Le Méridien, was designated a 'quiet area' under the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2006, effective from Oct 1.

Other quiet zones in the capital include the Secretariat, Agargaon, the parliament, and the Prime Minister's Office. While the law prohibits honking in these areas, it’s often ignored by drivers.

A study by the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies, or CAPS, found that none of the designated quiet areas are truly quiet, with high noise levels persisting in all.

At the grand finale of the 'Shaheed Selim BUFT National Debating Competition 2024,' held at BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology in Uttara, Rizwana spoke on expanding horn-free zones to mitigate noise pollution.

"The youth of today will build the Bangladesh of tomorrow. They should contribute to the creation of an environment-friendly country. Based on the right information, the young generation needs to think and solve problems and build a safe and sustainable future through creativity. Debating develops their speaking skills, analytical abilities, and problem-solving approach,” she said.