Enforcement of anti-smoking law

TOBACCO has a long history of predominantly negative effects on human health. Tobacco use is the single greatest cause of preventable death globally. Almost half of those who use tobacco die from its use. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each year tobacco causes about 6.0 million deaths.

In 2005 Bangladesh parliament had passed laws banning smoking in public places, including public transports. According to the new law, anybody violating the law will be fined up to of Tk 300.

However, due to non-enforcement of anti-smoking law many smokers are found smoking in public places and buses and terminals and in and around shopping malls. Education and counselling by physicians of children and adolescents have been found to be effective in decreasing the risk of tobacco use. In this situation I humbly request the authorities concerned to implement anti-smoking law strictly and assign the members of the law enforcing agencies with the task of enforcement. The government should also increase the fine up to Tk 500 instead of Tk300 at present.

Kabir Uddin

Geographer

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