Dhaka: The Department of Environment (DoE) has initiated a series of mobile court operations across the country aimed at reducing the use of hydraulic horns, controlling noise pollution, and preventing the stockpiling and sale of banned polythene.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DoE's Monitoring and Enforcement Wing collaborated with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to conduct a drive in Dhaka's Rampura area. Executive Magistrate Ashiq Ahmed led this operation, targeting vehicles that violate environmental regulations. During the drive, six vehicles were penalized with fines totaling Tk 16,000 for using hydraulic horns and contributing to excessive noise pollution. Additionally, eight hydraulic horns were confiscated, while the BRTA filed 11 cases and impounded two buses.
In another operation in Rajbari, a mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Hafizur Rahman seized two hydraulic horns and imposed fines amounting to Taka 1,000 near Aladipur Jamai Pagoler Mazar Gate area.
Similarly, in Meherpur, Executive Magistrate Khadija Akter headed a drive that resulted in four cases being filed, Tk 2,000 in fines collected, and the destruction of eight prohibited horns on the spot.
In Jhenaidah's Harinakundu Upazila, a mobile court led by Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Eshita Akter targeted the illegal storage and sale of banned polythene. This operation filed three cases, imposed Tk 8,000 in fines, and seized 24.5 kilograms of polythene.
In Narayanganj Sadar Upazila, Executive Magistrate Md. Tarikul Islam led a court that fined a vehicle Tk 2,000 and confiscated one horn for breaching the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006.
DoE officials stated that these nationwide drives will continue in an effort to protect the environment, control noise pollution, eliminate the use of banned polythene, and promote environmental sustainability.