Gulshan Observes ‘No Horn, No Dust’ Drive

A brief yet symbolically powerful road safety and environmental awareness initiative was held on Tuesday afternoon at the Gulshan-2 intersection in the capital, as traffic authorities organised a one-minute silent observance under the banner “No Horn, No Dust”. The programme, conducted at 4:20 pm by the Gulshan Traffic Division, aimed to draw public attention to the growing problems of noise pollution and roadside dust in one of Dhaka’s busiest and most upscale neighbourhoods.

As part of the initiative, traffic signals at the Gulshan-2 junction were set to red in all four directions—north, south, east and west—for exactly one minute. During this brief pause, drivers of approaching vehicles were requested to step out of their cars and observe a minute of silence. The unusual sight of an otherwise congested intersection standing still created a strong visual message, underlining the need for discipline, restraint and civic responsibility on the roads.

Motorists responded positively to the call, with many participating willingly and without protest. Traffic personnel and volunteers distributed placards bearing the message “No Horn, No Dust”, reinforcing the campaign’s twin focus: discouraging unnecessary honking and promoting cleaner, dust-free streets. According to traffic officials, excessive use of vehicle horns remains a major contributor to urban noise pollution, while dust generated by poorly maintained roads and indiscriminate construction significantly affects air quality.

The campaign forms part of a broader joint effort by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and the traffic department to improve environmental conditions across the Gulshan Traffic Division, which includes the areas of Gulshan, Banani and Niketan. These neighbourhoods experience heavy daily traffic due to commercial activity, offices, schools and diplomatic missions, making them particularly vulnerable to noise and air pollution.

Senior traffic officials emphasised that the one-minute silence was not intended to disrupt movement but to act as a reminder of how small behavioural changes can collectively improve urban life. They noted that awareness-based initiatives, when repeated consistently, can encourage drivers and pedestrians alike to adopt more responsible habits, such as avoiding unnecessary horn use and supporting cleanliness efforts.

The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Traffic (Gulshan Division) Mizanur Rahman, along with other senior officers and around 150 members of the Traffic Assistant Group (TAG). Their presence underscored the authorities’ commitment to combining enforcement with education rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

Key details of the programme are summarised below:

Traffic officials indicated that similar awareness activities may be organised at other major intersections in the future. By turning a single minute of silence into a public statement, the “No Horn, No Dust” initiative sought to remind city dwellers that improving Dhaka’s environment begins with everyday choices made on its streets.