The area surrounding Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be designated as a "horn-free" zone starting October 1 in a bid to curb noise pollution and protect the environment.
Muhammad Kawsar Mahmud, public relations officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), confirmed the initiative, adding that honking will be banned on the airport premises and along a 3km stretch from La Meridien Hotel to the Scholastica campus.
As part of the campaign, public awareness efforts will include the placement of banners and billboards with slogans encouraging motorists to avoid honking.
Leaflets will be distributed, and campaigns will be conducted through electronic, print, and social media.
Additionally, measures such as vehicle speed control, adequate parking within the airport, and mobile courts for violators will be enforced.
Kawsar also noted that Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has declared the airport area a "quiet zone." Signboards discouraging honking will be installed at key locations, with provisions to ensure visibility at night.
The initiative involves several stakeholders, including the Bangladesh Air Force, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, DNCC, BRTA, Dhaka Traffic Police, Roads and Highways Department, the Department of Environment, APBn, the Bangladesh Truck Covered Van Owners Association, and the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association. These organizations will implement the measures according to their areas of responsibility.