Honking to what end? The sound-pollution crisis of Dhaka
In a city where honking feels as common as breathing, Dhaka's residents are paying the price in the form of hearing loss and other health risks
Every city has its own unique symphony, but Dhaka's soundtrack is dominated by one relentless instrument: vehicle horns. As the sun rises over the city, a cacophony of honks fills the air, creating an almost perpetual state of auditory chaos.
Whether you are navigating Banani's crowded lanes or stuck in Farmgate's never-ending traffic, one thing is certain — there is no escaping the continuous blaring of vehicle horns.
Noise pollution in Dhaka has reached alarming levels. In bustling areas like Mohammadpur and Karwan Bazar, phone apps such as Decibel X reveal that sound levels frequently exceed 88 decibels (dB) — far above the World Health Organization's recommended safe threshold of 70 dB for prolonged exposure.
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For context, a normal conversation averages 60 dB, while Dhaka's traffic can rival the intensity of a rock concert or a jet engine at takeoff. Such high decibel levels do not just annoy; they harm.
According to Dr Dewan Mahmud Hasan, senior consultant of ENT and Head-Neck Surgery at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 dB can lead to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), a condition that can be immediate or gradual, temporary or permanent.
Symptoms include muffled hearing, difficulty understanding conversations, and in severe cases, complete hearing loss.
The hydraulic horn epidemic
The Bangladesh Sound Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006, cap noise levels at 75 decibels (dB) in busy roads and industrial areas. However, hydraulic horns, capable of blasting at up to 130 dB, continue to plague the streets of Dhaka.
Despite being banned, these deafening devices are still widely available in motor parts markets such as Banglamotor and Dholaikhal.
"Beyond hearing loss, chronic exposure to loud noises is linked to cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, arterial hypertension and heart disease. Sleep disturbances caused by noise can worsen these health issues, creating a vicious cycle of stress and illness. Infants and young children are particularly at risk, as loud noises can permanently damage their developing auditory systems."
In 2007, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) prohibited hydraulic horns in residential and VIP areas, but enforcement has been inconsistent. While mobile courts occasionally crack down on illegal horns, their widespread use indicates a lack of sustained oversight.
As per sound pollution control rules, the authorities can fine up to Tk5,000, or up to one month in jail, or both, for violations. Repeat offenders face fines of up to Tk10,000 or up to six months of imprisonment, or both, according to Section 18 of the rules.
Environmentalists are urging stricter penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, proposing fines as high as Tk100,000 and more rigorous implementation of existing laws to curb this noisy menace.
Health toll
The consequences of unchecked noise pollution are far-reaching. Prolonged exposure to unhealthy high noise levels can cause irreversible damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Dr Hasan says, "Beyond hearing loss, chronic exposure to loud noises is linked to cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, arterial hypertension and heart disease. Sleep disturbances caused by noise can worsen these health issues, creating a vicious cycle of stress and illness."
"Infants and young children are particularly susceptible to hearing damage because their auditory systems are still developing, and can greatly affect language and speech development," he added.
In Dhaka, where the average noise level often exceeds 100 dB based on a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on noise pollution, residents experience these effects daily. Pedestrians complain of the relentless honking, while drivers justify their actions as necessary for safety.
Business of noise
Despite the bans, hydraulic horns remain a lucrative business. High-end horns like Bosch, Hella, and Fiamm, imported from countries like Germany and Italy, are sold in Dhaka at prices ranging from Tk2,500 to Tk6,000. Cheaper alternatives, often unregulated, flood the market.
Simratul Alam Russel, an importer, noted, "We're selling horns at a loss due to higher import costs. Each Denso horn costs Tk1,100 to Tk1,200, but demand remains high."
The availability of these devices, coupled with lax enforcement, deepens the problem.
An importer in Chattogram allegedly brings hydraulic horns into the country under false declarations, according to shop owners at the Bangla Motor area.
Why do we honk so much?
Dhaka's honking culture is both a symptom and a cause of its chaotic traffic system. Drivers honk to signal their presence, assert their right of way, or vent their frustration. According to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), there are around half a million registered vehicles crowding the city's streets, including a growing number of motorcycles from ride-sharing apps like Pathao and Uber Moto, making the competition for space fierce.
Pedestrians are often subjected to relentless honking, while drivers justify it as a safety measure. Jahangir Alam, a full-time ride-sharing app driver, explained, "Pedestrians walk onto the road without looking. If I don't honk, they might get hit."
His reasoning reflects a broader issue — a lack of traffic discipline and awareness. Narrow roads, poor traffic management, and jaywalking all contribute to the chaos. As a result, honking becomes a crutch for navigating an inherently flawed system.
An on-duty traffic sergeant acknowledges the enforcement challenges. "Currently, there are no specific rules for bike or car horns. Hydraulic horns have been banned, and we fine violators. But more importantly, we can only do so much. There needs to be more awareness among vehicle drivers," he says.
Towards a horn-free city
Around the world, cities have adopted various measures to curb noise pollution.
In Paris, fines for unnecessary honking are strictly enforced, and awareness campaigns educate citizens about the impact of noise on health. Singapore employs advanced traffic management systems to reduce congestion, minimising the need for honking.
In Bangladesh, efforts to address noise pollution are still in their infancy. The government has announced plans to designate Dhaka as a "quiet zone" by early next year, with fines of Tk500 for unnecessary honking. However, such measures require a robust implementation to be effective.
Dr Hasan emphasises that solving Dhaka's honking epidemic requires a multi-pronged approach. Raising public awareness is crucial — educating both drivers and pedestrians about the health risks of noise pollution could shift attitudes. Many people do not realise that excessive honking does not solve traffic problems; it just adds to the chaos.
Pedestrians near Farmgate, one of the busiest intersections in Dhaka, believe that better infrastructure could play a key role in tackling the city's noise pollution. "Proper road planning, dedicated motorcycle lanes, and pedestrian-friendly spaces could reduce the chaos, minimising the need for constant honking," a resident of Tejgaon told TBS.
However, improved infrastructure alone is not enough — stricter enforcement of traffic laws is equally important. Regular mobile courts should target illegal horns and drivers who misuse them, with penalties that are tough enough to deter such behaviour.
With over 20 million residents, Dhaka has become infamous not just for its traffic jams but also for its unbearable noise pollution. The relentless honking of horns, roaring engines, and bustling streets have made the city feel like a constant auditory assault.
Experts warn that this unchecked noise is more than just an annoyance — it is a growing public health crisis that demands urgent action.
