Don't smoke in public

Almost everyone is well aware of the fact that smoking is seriously detrimental to smokers' health. Despite the fact, many people still smoke cigarette in public. According to a law, no person can smoke in any public place in Bangladesh. Any person who violates this provision shall be liable to a fine not exceeding Tk 300. Unfortunately, this law exists only on papers. The law enforcement is far away from enforcing the law. Day by day, the number of cigarette smokers is increasing in the country. Unfortunately, some of our television plays, serials, web-series and movies also promote the culture of smoking in public.

Smoking harms not only smokers but also people surrounding them who do not smoke. For many non-smokers, it is an extremely discomforting experience to have someone smoking around -- especially in public transport. However, we often find people smoking in public, causing discomfort to others. We cannot expect law enforcers alone to curb this practice entirely. Smokers, themselves, should realise how their bad habit affects others and refrain from causing harm to non-smoking people, especially children.

Asad Ush Shaheed,

Chattogram