Noise pollution in Rajshahi city has reached an alarming level, with recent measurements showing average peak noise levels above 100 decibels at two major locations, raising fresh concerns about public health, traffic management and urban environment.
A survey conducted at Railgate and Laxmipur intersection on Saturday showed average peak noise levels of 101.5 and 102.6 decibels respectively. The monitoring was conducted by Barendra Environment Development Organisation with support from Barind Environment.
The organisation has been measuring noise levels at key points across Rajshahi since 2022, following similar locations and time schedules to track changes. This year's measurements were conducted during the city's busiest hours.
At Railgate, measurements taken from 10:00 am to 10:30 am recorded an average peak level of 101.5 decibels. At Laxmipur Intersection, the level reached 102.6 decibels between 10:30 am and 11:00 am. Last year, the average peak level at both locations was around 97 decibels, indicating a significant increase within a year.
A 2022 United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report identified Dhaka as the world's noisiest city and Rajshahi as the fourth-noisiest, recording Rajshahi's noise level at around 103 decibels.
Far above legal limits
Under Bangladesh's Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025, areas are classified as silent, residential, mixed, commercial and industrial zones. During the daytime, the permissible noise level is 70 decibels in commercial areas and 50 decibels in silent zones.
Railgate is a commercial area, while Laxmipur Intersection has the characteristics of a silent zone because several government and private hospitals are located there. The recorded levels were therefore far above the applicable legal limits.
Unnecessary honking a major cause
Field observations found large numbers of battery-run three-wheelers and auto-rickshaws at both locations. Many were fitted with high-volume horns, while drivers frequently honked without apparent necessity. Buses at Railgate were also observed using their horns unnecessarily.
The organisation identified haphazard bus stops, unregulated movement of auto-rickshaws and rickshaws, and poor lane management as factors contributing to excessive honking.
It recommended banning high-volume horns, ensuring approved horns on battery-run vehicles, introducing designated lanes for rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, and preventing buses from stopping outside designated points.
It also called for reasonable speed limits and effective enforcement on city roads. Better traffic management, it said, could reduce sudden braking, rapid acceleration and unnecessary honking.
Health and environmental concerns
Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can damage hearing and contribute to irritation, sleep disturbance, high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. It can also adversely affect birds, animals and urban biodiversity.
The organisation urged the Rajshahi City Corporation, law enforcement agencies, transport authorities, drivers and residents to work together to control noise pollution. It particularly called for strict enforcement of a “No Unnecessary Honking” policy around hospitals, educational institutions and densely populated areas.