Dhaka: In a significant move aimed at enforcing the Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2013, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and Dhaka Ahsania Mission (Health Sector) conducted training for 647 public transport drivers at the Zoar Sahara BRTC Bus Depot in Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this initiative focused on educating drivers about the health risks associated with smoking and the legal obligations under the tobacco control law. Adut Rahman Imon, Programme Officer of the Tobacco Control Project of DAM Health Sector, presented a documentary during the session to highlight the dangers of both direct and indirect exposure to tobacco smoke, particularly for professional drivers.
The training targeted drivers of various public transport vehicles, including buses, CNGs, lagunas, and tempos, informing them of the harmful effects smoking can have not only on themselves but also on passengers, especially women and children, who are subjected to second-hand smoke. The legal implications of smoking in public transport and other public places were also thoroughly explained.
The documentary shown to the drivers emphasized the detrimental effects of smoking in public transport, aiming to raise awareness about the need to adhere to tobacco control laws. The BRTA and Dhaka Ahsania Mission have been conducting such training sessions weekly to progress towards a goal of making public transport entirely tobacco-free, protecting non-smokers from the hazards of second-hand smoke.
This ongoing collaboration between Dhaka Ahsania Mission and BRTA underscores a commitment to ensuring that public transport becomes a safer environment for all passengers by promoting compliance with the Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products (Control) Act.