Nationwide drives to reduce noise, air pollution: fines imposed
DHAKA, Aug 24, 2025 (BSS) – In a series of coordinated drives across the country, the Department of Environment (DoE) has intensified its efforts to curb noise and air pollution trough mobile courts in various districts, including Dhaka, Kurigram, Keraniganj and Nilphamari.
The drives, carried out under the supervision of executive magistrates, resulted in the seizure of illegal hydraulic horns, imposition of significant fines and enforcement actions against repeat and new violators.
In Amin Bazar, Savar, a mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Faizunnesa Akhter, inspected nine vehicles and found five in violation of environmental regulations.
A total of Tk 18,000 in fines was collected and nine hydraulic horns were seized.
Inspector Nayan Kumar Roy served as the prosecutor during the operation.
Meanwhile, Executive Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun fined five vehicles Tk 10,000 under the Environment Protection Act, 1995 (amended 2010) in a campaign targeting black smoke emissions on Kuril Bishwa Road in Khilkhet. It was conducted in collaboration with the BRT.
A Victor Classic Paribahan bus was sent to the dumping station after repeating the same offense despite earlier warnings.
In Trimohani Bazar, Kurigram Sadar, Executive Magistrate Zeenat Sultana led a drive against the use of hydraulic horns.
A total of Tk 6,500 in fines was collected from drivers of four buses and two trucks and 11 hydraulic horns were seized.
In Baraitala, Keraniganj, action was taken under the Air Pollution (Control) Rules, 2022 against unlawful construction activities.
A fine of Tk 20,000 was imposed and the responsible parties were instructed to carry out future construction in compliance with environmental regulations.
At the Nilphamari bypass intersection, a mobile court collected Tk 2,500 in fines from three vehicles using banned hydraulic horns.
Five horns were seized and destroyed on the spot. Authorities also issued warnings and distributed awareness leaflets and stickers to drivers.
The Department of Environment has affirmed that such operations will be conducted regularly nationwide as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce noise and air pollution, improve public health, and enforce environmental laws more stringently.