The government’s decision to tighten noise pollution rules -- including a ban on honking in residential areas from 9pm to 6am and stricter limits across silent and industrial zones -- is certainly a welcome step.
Dhaka has long been ranked among the world’s noisiest cities, and the consequences of unchecked noise pollution have never been taken into consideration - which is a mistake.
Noise pollution affects productivity, mental well‑being, and overall public health and basic livability of the capital. For a city that continues to be ranked as among the least liveable cities in the world, even a small improvement in curbing noise pollution will be seen as a win. We are also a city already struggling with air pollution, traffic congestion, and urban chaos. As such, ignoring noise is no longer an option.
News laws set clear decibel limits, restrict high‑noise equipment, prohibit the manufacture and sale of illegal horns, and empower traffic sergeants to impose on‑the‑spot penalties. All of this, on paper, is positive.
However, these measures will only have any impact if we see enforcement. Dhaka has seen rules before, and most have collapsed in practice. As such, regulations are needed -- but they must be backed by real consequences and not just laws for the sake of laws.
Dhaka’s noise crisis is not entirely solvable, but we can make some progress to reducing it. For that to happen, the government must treat it with the seriousness it deserves and actually follow through with implementing the rules it sets. The task is to enforce consistently and finally give residents a city where some quiet is not a luxury.
