A social awareness campaign titled ‘Do Not Honk’ has been launched by Banani Social Initiatives, in collaboration with Banani Society, starting from 8 September 2024. The campaign aims to create a noise-free, peaceful, and serene environment in the Banani area by raising public awareness about refraining from unnecessary honking.
To achieve this goal, volunteers have taken to the streets with various awareness-raising stickers, signage, and placards bearing the message ‘No Horn.’ They are urging drivers to change their habit of unnecessary honking. Stickers have been placed on almost all vehicles in Banani, from rickshaws to cars, promoting this change.
Mr. Apon Ahsan, Director of Advertising Agency Expressions Limited, an ad maker, a key initiator of Banani Social Initiatives, and a member of Banani Society, stated, “To build an inclusive society in Bangladesh 2.0, active participation from all sectors—governmental, non-governmental, and individual—is essential. Among the many ongoing issues, noise pollution is one of the most critical. The ‘Do Not Honk’ initiative is a timely effort to combat this. When we step outside, we often encounter unnecessary honking—whether it’s while driving at full speed, waiting at traffic signals, or even after the signal turns green. Drivers of motorcycles, buses, private cars, pickup vans, CNGs, and others all start honking simultaneously, competing to overtake one another. The sound of honking is not just annoying; it has severe negative impacts on our mental and physical health. The loud noise from honking may seem trivial, but it is a growing public health issue that causes hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and stress. Unnecessary honking disrupts our environment, leading to heart problems, hearing loss, high blood pressure, reduced work efficiency due to lack of focus, and an overall imbalance in the environment. This campaign is not only about reducing the noise of honking but also about building a healthy and happy community.”
Mr. Shawkat Ali Bhuiyan Dilon, President of Banani Society, mentioned that along with the ‘Do Not Honk’ campaign, volunteers are urging everyone to keep all houses, office buildings, and their surroundings clean in the Banani area. Students from Banani Bidyaniketan School and College, members of Banani Society, and residents of Banani participated in the campaign’s inauguration.