Dhaka: The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced strict legal action against honking in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) area and its surrounding locations, emphasizing zero tolerance for noise pollution in designated silent zones.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a DMP statement issued today indicated that strict peacekeeping and policing measures will be enforced, and legal action will be taken immediately against anyone found violating the rules in the declared silent zones. The DMP has urged drivers and the public to comply with the regulations to ensure a noise-free and disciplined urban environment.
The North City Corporation had earlier in September declared Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area and a 1.5-kilometer stretch north-south from Scholastica School to Hotel Le Meridien as silent areas. In addition, Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan have also been designated as quiet zones where the use of vehicle horns is strictly prohibited.
Under Section 45 of the Road Transport Act 2018 and Rule 19(2) of the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025, honking in silent areas is a punishable offense. Violators may face a maximum fine of Taka 10,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both. The recently enacted Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2025 have further empowered law enforcement agencies to directly impose fines for honking and other forms of noise pollution in quiet areas.