BRTC Chairman Commits to Tobacco Control Training Module and WHO FCTC Implementation

On 28 July 2026, representatives of Development Activities of Society (DAS) held strategic discussions with the Chairman of Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) regarding tobacco control advancement within the organization. Kazi Mohammad Hasibul Haque, Project Management Lead of DAS, and Moazzem Hossain Tipu, Programme Coordinator of DAS, met with Mr. Abdul Latif Molla to discuss institutional mechanisms for strengthening tobacco control implementation and capacity building among BRTC personnel. The meeting represented an important engagement between civil society and public transport sector leadership focused on translating global tobacco control commitments into concrete institutional action.

The discussions centered on introducing a dedicated tobacco control training module within BRTC's institutional training programs. The proposed module would provide comprehensive capacity building for BRTC trainers, drivers, assistants, and other relevant personnel regarding multiple dimensions of tobacco control. Training content would address tobacco control legislation and regulatory requirements, practical strategies for maintaining smoke-free environments in public transport, scientific evidence regarding harmful effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, and specific responsibilities of transport personnel in implementing tobacco control measures. By embedding tobacco control within BRTC's formal training infrastructure, the organization would ensure that all relevant personnel receive standardized, comprehensive education regarding tobacco control requirements and implementation strategies. This institutionalized approach to capacity building would establish tobacco control as an integral component of professional competency for BRTC personnel.

The meeting also addressed institutional implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) within BRTC. The WHO FCTC, to which Bangladesh is a signatory, establishes international standards and best practices for comprehensive tobacco control. The discussions focused on how BRTC, as a major public transport institution, could progressively incorporate WHO FCTC principles and provisions into its institutional policies, programs, training activities, awareness initiatives, and public transport management practices. This approach recognizes that effective tobacco control requires institutional-level commitments beyond individual compliance with legal requirements. Institutionalizing tobacco control means integrating tobacco control principles into organizational culture, decision-making processes, staff development, and service delivery.

DAS representatives emphasized the strategic importance of institutionalizing tobacco control within BRTC's organizational framework. They noted that strengthening personnel capacity through a dedicated training module, combined with progressive institutional implementation of WHO FCTC measures, would establish a more comprehensive and sustainable tobacco control framework within BRTC. This integrated approach addresses both the capacity dimension—ensuring personnel possess knowledge and skills needed for effective implementation—and the institutional dimension—ensuring that organizational policies, systems, and culture support tobacco control. DAS representatives articulated that this combination of capacity building and institutional strengthening would significantly enhance BRTC's ability to establish and maintain truly smoke-free public transport environments.

The discussions also addressed practical implementation matters relevant to BRTC's core mission of providing public transport services. Participants discussed ensuring that BRTC buses and transport services operated as smoke-free environments through clear policies, effective monitoring, and consistent enforcement. They discussed strategies for strengthening enforcement of existing tobacco control legislation across BRTC operations, recognizing that BRTC personnel must actively support compliance rather than merely passively avoiding violations. The meeting emphasized the importance of increasing awareness among BRTC drivers and assistants regarding tobacco control requirements, health risks of secondhand smoke, and their professional responsibilities in enforcing smoke-free policies. Participants discussed integrating tobacco control principles more effectively into BRTC's broader institutional policies and operational practices, ensuring that tobacco control is not treated as an isolated compliance issue but as an integral component of safe, healthy public transport service delivery.

After carefully considering the proposals presented by DAS representatives, the BRTC Chairman expressed his willingness to review the proposals in detail and engage relevant stakeholders in discussion before proceeding with phased implementation. His commitment reflects recognition of tobacco control's importance for public health protection and BRTC's institutional responsibility to advance this objective. The Chairman emphasized the importance of further strengthening tobacco control initiatives within BRTC, signaling that tobacco control advancement would receive institutional priority and resource allocation. This leadership commitment from the BRTC Chairman is critical for successful implementation, as institutional change typically requires sustained support from senior leadership.

The meeting identified several areas requiring continued coordination and dialogue between DAS and BRTC. DAS representatives expressed hope that ongoing engagement and dialogue would facilitate meaningful progress in both the training module implementation for personnel capacity building and the progressive institutional implementation of WHO FCTC measures within BRTC. Such continued coordination would ensure that tobacco control initiatives are carefully designed to align with BRTC's organizational context, operational requirements, and institutional capacity. It would also provide opportunity for DAS to provide technical support and learning from other organizations' experience in tobacco control institutionalization.

The commitment by BRTC leadership to advance tobacco control through both capacity building and institutional implementation represents significant progress toward strengthening tobacco control across Bangladesh's public transport sector. BRTC, as a major provider of public transport services operating extensively throughout Bangladesh, influences the experiences of millions of passengers and employs thousands of personnel. By institutionalizing tobacco control, BRTC would establish clear expectations and support systems for smoke-free operations while simultaneously building the knowledge and skills of personnel needed for effective implementation. The training module would ensure that future BRTC personnel receive systematic tobacco control education as part of their professional development. Progressive institutional implementation of WHO FCTC measures would establish tobacco control as part of BRTC's organizational DNA rather than an externally imposed requirement.

The initiative reflects broader global and national commitments to tobacco control. Bangladesh's ratification of the WHO FCTC establishes international obligations to implement comprehensive tobacco control measures. The transport sector represents an important venue for tobacco control because transport workers and passengers represent substantial populations exposed to secondhand smoke in the confined environments of vehicles. By advancing tobacco control within BRTC, Bangladesh strengthens its capacity to meet international commitments while simultaneously protecting the health of millions of citizens who depend on public transport. The combination of institutional leadership commitment, capacity building through training, and systematic policy implementation creates conditions for sustained progress toward truly tobacco-free public transport in Bangladesh.