Public places across Bangladesh continue to be plagued by rampant smoking, exposing thousands of non-smokers—especially children—to dangerous passive smoke despite the existence of strict laws prohibiting the practice. From crowded footpaths to school gates, the problem appears to be growing unchecked, raising serious public health concerns.
In many parts of Dhaka and other major cities, smokers openly light up on sidewalks, at market entrances, and even around educational institutions. Parents waiting outside school gates with their children are frequently forced to inhale smoke released by others nearby. Health experts warn that such exposure can cause long-term respiratory complications, especially among minors.
A common scene across urban areas involves roadside cigarette stalls doing brisk business throughout the day. After purchasing cigarettes, many individuals immediately begin smoking beside these shops, turning the surrounding area into an informal smoking zone. Shop owners say they cannot control where customers choose to smoke, but residents argue that the growing number of cigarette vendors is fueling the problem.
Traffic congestion has further intensified the issue. When motorcycles, rickshaws, and other vehicles are stuck in gridlock, pedestrians walking alongside them—along with children sitting behind motorcyclists—are often trapped in clouds of smoke produced by nearby smokers. For non-smokers, there is usually no option to move away in such crowded conditions.
Bangladesh enacted the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act to curb smoking in public areas and protect citizens from secondhand smoke. The law clearly prohibits smoking at bus stops, railway stations, parks, streets, and all other public places where people gather. However, enforcement remains weak.
Public health activists say that while the law itself is strong, its implementation has been inconsistent. Most violations go unnoticed by authorities, and penalties are rarely imposed. As a result, the law has failed to create the deterrence needed to protect public wellbeing.
Experts warn that unless enforcement is strengthened and awareness campaigns are expanded, the number of passive smokers—particularly children—will continue to rise. They emphasize that smoking in public places is not merely a personal habit but a threat to the health of the entire community.
For now, public demand is growing for stronger action, including increased monitoring, stricter penalties, and designated smoke-free zones that are properly maintained. Without such steps, Bangladesh’s progress in reducing tobacco-related harm may remain limited.
0 Comments