Dhaka Police Crack Down on Horn Honking in ‘Silent Zones’ Around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a stern warning that anyone found honking their vehicle horns in designated ‘silent zones’ around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and its surrounding areas will face strict punitive action. The directive also covers high-profile neighbourhoods including Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan.
In an official statement released to the media on Monday evening (19 January 2026), the DMP emphasised that maintaining peace and reducing noise pollution in these areas is a top priority.
According to the police, the Dhaka North City Corporation officially designated the airport vicinity and an adjoining stretch of approximately 1.5 kilometres — from Uttara Scholastica School to Hotel La Meridien — as a ‘silent zone’ back in September 2025. The move aims to ensure a calm environment for travellers, residents, and nearby businesses.
Under the Road Transport Act 2018 and the recently enacted Noise Pollution (Control) Regulations 2025, honking within these silent zones constitutes a punishable offence. Offenders may face a fine of up to BDT 10,000, imprisonment for a term of up to three months, or both. Notably, the new regulations empower the police to issue instant fines to anyone violating the noise restrictions, allowing for swift enforcement without delay.
The DMP has stated that the Traffic Division will conduct regular monitoring to ensure compliance. The statement clearly warned that no leniency will be shown to violators.
The enforcement initiative forms part of a broader campaign by the DMP to reduce urban noise pollution, safeguard public health, and protect the city’s environment. Police officials stressed that maintaining a peaceful environment in the capital’s key areas is crucial not only for residents but also for visitors to the city’s major transport hubs.
Silent Zones and Enforcement Measures
| Area / Stretch | Designation | Fine | Imprisonment | Enforcement Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport vicinity | Silent Zone | Up to BDT 10,000 | Up to 3 months | DMP |
| Uttara Scholastica School → Hotel La Meridien | Silent Zone | Up to BDT 10,000 | Up to 3 months | DMP |
| Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Niketan | Silent Zones | Up to BDT 10,000 | Up to 3 months | DMP |
With the combination of rigorous monitoring and immediate fines, the DMP aims to significantly curb noise pollution in the heart of Dhaka, thereby enhancing the city’s liveability and ensuring safer, quieter roads for all.
