Secretary of the Railways Ministry Fahimul Islam spoke at a program organized to observed World No-Tobacco Day at Kamalapur Railway Station today. Photo : PID

DHAKA, May 31, 2025 (BSS)- To Make Bangladesh Railways Tobacco Free, the Railways Ministry today observed World No-Tobacco Day at Kamalapur Railway Station.

On the occasion a procession was organized from station's VIP lounge and paraded through different areas of the station.

Secretary of the Railways Ministry Fahimul Islam attended the function as the chief guest while Director General of Bangladesh Railway Afzal Hossain was present as special guest.

This year the day is being observed with the theme- "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference- Let’s build a tobacco and nicotine free Bangladesh."

A discussion was arranged in front of VIP lounge after the procession.

Speakers underlined the harmful effects of tobacco, its associated health risks, and the various steps being taken by Bangladesh Railway to reduce tobacco consumption.

The day is being observed to encourage people to refrain from all forms of tobacco consumption and aims to raise awareness against tobacco use and its negative health impacts.

In line with other government, voluntary and private organizations, the Ministry of Railways and Bangladesh Railway are working to reduce tobacco use.

Since 2021, Bangladesh Railway with the financial support of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Vital Strategies has been implementing a project to make 30 railway stations free from tobacco.

The project aims to build a smoke-free and tobacco-free railway service by enforcing the Tobacco Control Act and relevant internal laws and regulations of the railway authority. 

Since 1987, World No Tobacco Day is being observed annually on May 31 by World Health Organization (WHO) member states.