Dhaka, Jan 25, 2022 (BSS) - Experts and journalists today observed 
existing anti-smoking law needs to be amended to make all public places, 
including restaurants and tourist areas, 100 percent smoke-free. 

   The demand was made at a virtual meeting attended by executive committee 
members of Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB), 
officials of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Bangladesh and the tobacco 
control project of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, a press release said here. 

   The speakers said the existing law provides for smoking zones in public 
places such as multi-room restaurants and public transport which harm the 
non-smokers from passive smoking. 

   They observed designated smoking areas in all public places should be 
banned as non-smokers have the right to protect themselves from the harmful 
effects of secondhand smoke.

   ATJFB President Nadira Kiron, General Secretary Tanzim Anwar, Dhaka 
Ahsania Mission assistant director Mukhlesur Rahman, Campaign for Tobacco 
Free Kids Bangladesh's Lead Policy Advisor Md Mostafizur Rahman also spoke, 
among others. 

   Dhaka Ahsania Mission Program Officer Sharmin Akhter Rini presented the 
keynote paper at the meeting moderated by Media Manager, Tobacco Control 
Project Rezaur Rahman Rizvi.