Traffic jam and noise pollution in Dhaka

Dhaka is Bangladesh's bustling capital, where life's daily hustle is marred by two silent but deadly adversaries—noise pollution and traffic congestion. These twin threats have woven themselves into the fabric of urban life so tightly that they are often ignored, tolerated or accepted as the price of development. However, this "new normal" is a killer in disguise. The constant blare of horns and the overwhelming chaos of the city’s traffic are not just inconveniences; they are chronic public health crises that slowly and invisibly undermine the well-being of City dwellers. A recent study conducted by the Department of Environment (DoE) found that in many parts of the capital, noise levels were as high as 120-130 decibels.

In Dhaka, the average noise level often exceeds 90 decibels in many areas—far above the safe limit of 55 dB recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for urban environments. During peak hours, especially near intersections like Farmgate, Shahbagh or Gulistan, the cacophony of car horns, engine roars, rickshaw bells, and loudspeakers can feel unbearable. Besides it being an annoyance, it’s like a physical assault on the senses.

Scientific research has shown that prolonged exposure to high decibel levels not only causes hearing loss, but also several health issues such as increased blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders and mental health problems. Children who are exposed to constant noise pollution may suffer from reduced attention spans, impaired memory and delayed language development. For the elderly and the sick, this noise aggravates pre-existing health conditions and reduces overall life quality.

Despite its severity, noise pollution is often neglected in national discussions on health and environment. Unlike visible smog or polluted water, noise is invisible, and its long-term effects unfold silently.

Parallel to noise pollution is another deep-seated crisis: Dhaka’s traffic congestion, which ranks among the worst in the world. According to a study done in 2023 by the BUET Accident Research Institute, commuters in Dhaka cannot but waste 3-5 hours every day in traffic. That’s almost one-third of a working person’s day wasted.

This congestion not only drains productivity but also acts as a multiplier of health and environmental hazards. Cars stuck in traffic produce higher levels of pollutants that include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter, all of which cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the stress of being stuck in traffic for hours amid honking, heat and pollution increases the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, causing anxiety, depression and fatigue.

Additionally, emergency services like ambulances and fire trucks are delayed, which results in avoidable deaths and injuries. The traffic congestion not only steals time, but it also costs lives.

The connection between noise pollution and traffic is inseparable. In Dhaka, over 80% of noise pollution is traffic-related. The chaotic and unregulated driving culture, where honking is used like a language, only worsens the crisis. The lack of proper traffic rules enforcement, pedestrian safety, poor road planning, and uncoordinated traffic signals have all contributed to a perfect storm.

Ironically, the very solutions meant to address traffic often cause more noise pollution. For example, flyovers and new roads may help with vehicle congestion, but they get occupied by more vehicles, ultimately increasing both noise and traffic volumes.

The most heartbreaking aspect of these issues is the cumulative human cost. By the time office worker reach their jobs, they are already exhausted. Students are mentally drained by the time they reach school. Patients have a hard time sleeping or resting properly. Road rage incidents, aggressive behavior and accidents are becoming alarmingly common, all because of an environment that is increasingly hostile towards mental peace and physical health.

Economically, traffic congestion and noise pollution cost Bangladesh billions of taka annually in lost productivity, fuel wastage, health expenses, and decreased life expectancy. According to a 2019 study by the World Bank, traffic congestion in Dhaka results in a loss of over $3.8 billion per year. That figure has likely increased since then.

While problems induced by noise pollution and traffic are daunting, they are not insurmountable. The first step is recognition—acknowledging that noise pollution and traffic are not only “urban inconveniences” but also real public health threats.

Strict enforcement of noise control laws, including bans on honking in silent zones (near schools, hospitals, and residential areas), must be prioritized. Hydraulic horns must be banned altogether. Traffic laws must also be strictly enforced. Jaywalking, illegal parking, and unauthorized roadside markets must be penalized.

The government should decentralise Dhaka, spreading economic hubs throughout other districts to reduce overpopulation in the capital. Investment in efficient mass transit systems, like the Metro Rail, BRT, and elevated expressways, must be accelerated and expanded. More importantly, encourage the use of non-motorized transport like bicycles and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Educating the public about the health impacts of noise and traffic congestion can change behavior. Campaigning in schools, offices, and on social media can help others develop respect for the environment and fellow citizens.

Identifying and controlling critical zones can be done by the help of technology such as smart traffic signals, noise monitoring sensors and urban noise maps. GPS data can be used to manage traffic dynamically.

The streets of Dhaka do not have to be war zones of noise and frustration. But if immediate and long-term actions are not taken, the city will continue to suffocate under the weight of its chaos. Noise pollution and traffic jams are more than just symptoms of poor governance or planning, they are a public health emergency and a social injustice.

It’s time to recognize these threats for what they truly are: killers in disguise, robbing the people of Dhaka of their health, time, and dignity. And it’s time to fight back—not with more noise or more cars, but with smart policy, humane planning, and collective civic action. Only then can Dhaka breathe, and its people live—not just survive.

- Md Shariful Islam Dulu, PhD is the Founding Trustee of Bangladesh Harm Reduction Foundation. He can be reached at dulu.3s@gmail.com