DHAKA, Nov 29, 2023 (BSS) - Journalists working at the field of aviation and 
tourism today observed that a strong tobacco control law is needed to abolish 
'Designated Smoking Zones (DSA)' in public places.

They made the observation at a virtual meeting titled on strengthening of 
tobacco control law held between Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of 
Bangladesh (ATJFB) and Dhaka Ahsania Mission. 

ATJFB president Tanzim Anwar moderated the meeting while Dhaka Ahsania 
Mission Deputy Director on health and wash sector Mokhleshur Rahman was in 
the chair. 

Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Bangladesh Programs Manager Abdus Salam Miah, 
Communication Manager Humaira Sultana and members of ATJFB also spoke at the 
meeting. 

Md. Shariful Islam, Coordinator of Tobacco Control Project, presented the 
main article in the meeting. 

He said that the non-smokers are suffering from the harm caused by indirect 
smoking due to the presence of smoking zones in public places, restaurants 
and public transport in the current 'Smoking and Tobacco Use (Control) Act 
2005'. 

Islam also said that already 67 countries of the world have banned smoking in 
public places.
Abdus Salam said that non-smokers as well as service workers are victims of 
indirect smoking if there are designated areas for smoking (DSA) in various 
public areas including hotels, restaurants and public transport. 

Several countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Nepal, and 
Afghanistan, have done well in the smoke-free environment index, but 
Bangladesh is far behind in this regard. 

However, if the draft amendment containing the proposal to cancel DSA is 
passed, Bangladesh will also reach the ranks of these countries.