DHAKA, Nov 7, 2024 (BSS) - A total of 313 public transport drivers have been trained with the aim of proper implementation of tobacco control act and making them aware of health risks associated with the use of tobacco products.
 
Under the initiative of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and Dhaka Ahsania Mission's Health Sector, the training programme was held today in the capital's Joar Sahara BRTC Bus Depot, said a press release.
 
Program Officer of Tobacco Control Project of the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission Adut Rahman Emon presented a documentary on the implementation of tobacco control act and health damage among professional drivers.
 
Public transport drivers (bus, CNG-run auto-rickshaws and three-wheelers) were apprised of adverse effects of direct and indirect smoking, health hazards, tobacco control act during the training.
 
The release said passengers, especially women and children, are indirectly exposed to smoke in public transport due to the smoking of drivers and driver assistants. As a result, they suffer the same effects as non-smokers.
 
The participating drivers got a clear idea about the harmfulness of smoking in public transport and the legal obligations are presented to them in detail through the presentation of the documentary.
 
Smoking in public places such as bus terminals, airports, railway stations, seaports, public offices and public places is a punishable offense.
 
All non-smokers, including many women and children, are exposed to second-hand smoke in places due to direct smokers at these places.
 
With the aim of making public transport 100 percent tobacco free and implementing the act, Dhaka Ahsania Mission and BRTA have been conducting this training programme regularly every week.