Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 08, 2025 (BSS) - With a view to ensuring proper implementation of the Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2013, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and Dhaka Ahsania Mission (Health Sector) today provided training to 647 public transport drivers at the Zoar Sahara BRTC Bus Depot in the capital.

Adut Rahman Imon, Programme Officer of the Tobacco Control Project of DAM Health Sector, presented a documentary on the implementation of the Tobacco Control Act and the health risks faced by professional drivers, said a press release.

During the training, public transport drivers (bus, CNG, laguna, tempo) were informed about the adverse effects of direct and indirect smoking related health hazards, and provisions of the tobacco control law.

Passengers, especially women and children, are indirectly exposed to smoke in public transport due to smoking by drivers and their assistants. As a result, they suffer the same harm as active smokers.

The participating drivers were shown a documentary highlighting the harmful effects of smoking in public transport, while the legal obligations were explained to them in detail.

Smoking in public places such as bus terminals, airports, railway stations, seaports, government offices and other public venues is a punishable offense.

All non-smokers, including women and children, are at risk of second-hand smoke wherever direct smokers are present.

Dhaka Ahsania Mission and BRTA have been jointly conducting this training programme every week with the aim of making public transport 100 percent tobacco-free and ensuring proper implementation of the law.