Declare Dhanmondi Lake smoking-free area

Dhaka is among the world's top cities with the most poisonous air. Still, it has some places where one can go and inhale fresh air. Dhanmondi Lake is one such area. Every day hundreds of people -- adults, children and the elderly -- visit the place for a walk, jogging, exercise or for spending some time in contact of nature. There are trees on the banks of the lake, some arrangements for sitting and some food stalls at the Dhanmondi Lake area. To many, it is a popular spot for gathering and gossiping. However, it has been observed recently that smoking by some people in the area is causing annoyance to many people. The health conscious people visit this park for taking fresh air. But now they are victims of passive smoking.

The area was declared beggar-free a few years ago by the social services department. And what we want now is to declare Dhanmondi Lake a tobacco-free area. Similarly, every park of the country -- in Dhaka and outside -- should be declared smoke-free to ensure good health of people.

MA Islam,

Dhanmondi, Dhaka