Photo : DAM

DHAKA, March 30, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 815 public transport drivers have been trained under the initiative of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) within this month. 

This training was conducted with an aim of raising awareness about the health risks of tobacco use and ensuring proper implementation of the existing Tobacco Control Act, a press release of the DAM said here today.

According to the release, a seven phase training titled “Professional Skill Development and Awareness Training for Professional Drivers” was conducted this month at the BRTC Bus Depot at Zoar Sahara here. In the training, Adut Rahman Imon, Program Officer of the Tobacco Control Project under the DAM, presented an audiovisual documentary to professional drivers on the implementation of the tobacco control law and the health harms of tobacco use.

The training informed public transport drivers about the harms of direct and second hand smoke, health risks and the Tobacco Control Act. Passengers especially women and children are exposed to second hand smoke inside public transport due to smoking by drivers and their assistants. As a result, even non-smokers suffer similar health risks. Through video presentations, participants were given a clear understanding of the dangers of smoking in public transport and the legal obligations that drivers must follow.

Smoking in public places such as bus terminals, airports, railway stations, river ports, various government offices and other public gatherings is legally a punishable offense. Many non-smokers including children and women are subjected to second-hand smoke due to active smokers in these places.

In order to keep public transport 100% tobacco-free and ensure enforcement of the law, the DAM and BRTA have been jointly conducting this training programme on a regular weekly basis.