Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the environmental, forest, and climate change adviser of the interim government, said that she has not honked the horn on her car for 12 years.
"I traveled from Bogra to Dhaka without honking. I have also come from the hill tracts to Dhaka without using the horn. It is possible. Not using the horn has never caused me to be late for a meeting," she said.
She emphasized that drivers should think differently. Sometimes, a driver may go out and find the horn not working; in such cases, they should drive without it. This is about changing habits," she added.
Rizwana made these comments while speaking to reporters after attending the “Grand Finale and Award Ceremony” of the Shahid Selim BUFT National Debate Competition 2024 at the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology auditorium.
The event featured debaters from 32 colleges and 32 universities, awarding six winning institutions in two categories.
She urged students to get involved, saying: "We need your help for many tasks. For example, we started our work on polythene and plastics with students. Microplastics are now found in mother's placenta and breast milk, so there can be no justification for single-use plastics. Your generation is at risk due to the problems we have created for you. Please do not pass this risk onto your next generation; instead, help reduce it."
She stressed the importance of promoting the cessation of single-use plastics and encouraging people to refuse plastic bags when shopping.
"When you go to the store, if the shopkeeper tries to give you something in a plastic bag, tell them you won’t take it. Bring your own cloth or jute bag."
Rizwana also mentioned that in December, or if not then, in January, they plan to designate ten roads in Dhaka as silent zones, similar to what was done on the Airport Road, where honking will be prohibited. "We need to amend the law a bit to enable police to enforce it," she explained.
She highlighted the noise pollution issue in Dhaka, saying: "When you arrive in Dhaka from abroad, the noise you hear is something people in other countries do not experience. In Nepal, for example, I heard no horn sounds during my four-day stay. They changed a small law, and if someone honks unnecessarily, their driving license gets punched. After three punches, they have to attend a one-hour lecture on noise pollution. If they do it again, their license gets suspended. Such a small law change can create a significant behavioral shift."
Rizwana also addressed the argument that rickshaws contribute to honking, mentioning that roads near the airport and the parliament do not have rickshaws, yet honking still occurs.
"It's about habits. Drivers need to be told this. In December or January, we will need your help. When we worked on polythene issues, students supported us and encouraged the public. I hope you will join us when we tackle the honking issue," she concluded.
The event was also attended by BUFT's Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Eng Ayub Nabi Khan, founding chairman of BUFT Chattogram Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Chairman of BUFT's Board of Trustees Faruk Hasan, and Md Sultan Talukdar, the father of Shaheed Selim from the July movement.
