Stop smoking in public places

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 have even promoted the culture of smoking in public. Some so-called social media celebrities are also inspiring school- and college-going students to smoke in public through TikTok and YouTube video clips.

Smoking harms not only smokers but also people surrounding them who do not smoke. Medical evidence has proven that second-hand smoking is so fatal that it can even hinder growth and development in children. Many people are allergic to the smoke and seriously bothered by the smell. We live in a free world, but that does not mean that we have to be the victims of people who have a deadly habit. Just because people choose to continue smoking, it does not mean that non-smokers have to breathe toxic air. The authorities concerned should strictly enforce the existing law as soon as possible against smoking in public.

Md. Moyen Shikder,

Student of Dr. Abul Hossain University College, Rajbari,

moyenwr@gmail.com