Up to Tk 10,000 fine for honking near Dhaka airport, adjacent areas

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced strict legal action, including fines and imprisonment, against honking in the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area, Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan starting January 25.

Honking in these designated areas could lead to a maximum fine of Tk 10,000 or up to three months in jail, said a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner SM Sazzad Ali today.

According to the notice, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area and the road stretching one and a half kilometres north-south of the airport (from Scholastica School to Hotel Le Méridien) had been declared a "silent zone" in September last year. Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan are also included under this designation. Under the Sound Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006, honking in these areas is a punishable offence.

From January 25, the DMP Traffic Division will enforce penalties against vehicles violating the rule, particularly on roads and parking areas under the Civil Aviation Authority.

Additionally, special mobile courts will be conducted in the presence of magistrates from the Department of Environment, BRTA, Civil Aviation, Dhaka North City Corporation, and DMP to impose fines or imprisonment.

When asked why the implementation is being emphasised now despite the declaration being made in September last year, DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman told The Daily Star, “Police will strictly enforce this law from January 25. Violators will be brought to book."