Muyabia Labony; Dhaka – The streets of the capital have turned into a source of constant auditory torment as reckless motorcycles and private cars, equipped with modified silencers and hydraulic horns, dominate the roads.
The trend, particularly popular among young and underage drivers, has seen a sharp rise, leaving city dwellers—especially children, the elderly, and the sick—in a state of physical and mental distress.
Data from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) reveals a staggering crackdown: in the first three months of 2026 (January–March), 16,855 cases were filed against vehicles for noise violations. This averages to approximately 5,618 cases per month, with total fines amounting to 12,977,500 BDT.
Major hotspots for this “noise terror” include Hatirjheel, Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Uttara, and the Purbachal 300-feet road. Residents report that the nuisance escalates after evening and continues deep into the night.
Many drivers not only modify expensive bikes (ranging from 2 to 6 lakh BDT) for louder sound but also engage in dangerous zig-zag racing without helmets.
Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to such high-decibel noise can lead to permanent hearing loss, impaired vision, and heart complications. “A sudden blast of noise from a modified exhaust can even rupture an eardrum,” doctors cautioned.
DMP officials, including Deputy Commissioner (Media) M. N. Nasiruddin, emphasized that using modified silencers and hydraulic horns is a punishable offense.
While the police are currently issuing fines and raising awareness, they have promised stricter surveillance to reclaim the city’s peace.
⚠️ Health Warning
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sound levels above 85 decibels (dB) over a prolonged period can be hazardous. Modified bike exhausts often exceed 100–110 dB, which is equivalent to the noise of a jet taking off nearby.