Dhaka: The Department of Environment (DoE) and its subsidiary offices have been officially declared 100% smoke-free zones, a significant move aimed at shielding non-smokers from the detrimental effects of passive smoke. This initiative will see all departmental activities adhering strictly to national tobacco control guidelines, ensuring a completely smoke-free environment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this announcement was made by DoE Director General Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman during a programme titled ‘Declaration of All DoE Offices as 100% Smoke-Free,’ held at the department’s headquarters in Agargaon. The event was jointly organized with the Dhaka Ahsania Mission. Dr. Kamruzzaman emphasized that the initiative’s primary goal is to protect employees, officials, and visitors from the dangers associated with passive smoking.
Md. Shariful Islam, Coordinator of Dhaka Ahsania Mission’s Tobacco Control Project, presented the keynote paper at the event. He highlighted that tobacco smoke contains approximately 7,000 chemicals, with 250 known to be highly harmful and capable of causing fatal diseases. Islam further revealed that tobacco consumption leads to over 130,000 deaths annually in Bangladesh. Additionally, he pointed out that 42.7% of covered workplaces and 21.6% of government offices expose non-smokers to passive smoke.
Islam also discussed the environmental hazards of smoking, noting that cigarette butts and packets contribute to 40,490 tons of toxic waste each year. In 2024 alone, burning cigarettes were responsible for 4,139 fire incidents. These alarming statistics underscore the importance of the DoE’s smoke-free declaration.
The event was chaired by DoE Director Parvez Chawdhury and attended by Dhaka Ahsania Mission Health and WASH Sector Director Iqbal Masud, Deputy Director Mokhlesur Rahman, Youth Forum Coordinator Marjana Muntaha, and various departmental directors.