Divisional Discussion Meeting Held in Rangpur to Ensure Smoke-Free Public Transport and Terminals

On Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at 11:00 AM, an important divisional discussion meeting was convened in the conference room of Rangpur District Motor Owners Association to advance tobacco control implementation in public transport and terminals. The meeting brought together transport owners, workers' union leaders, government officials, civil society representatives, and individuals working on tobacco control to collectively address this critical public health issue. Titled "Ensure Smoke-Free Public Transport and Terminals," the meeting reflected growing recognition that making public transport tobacco-free requires coordinated effort from all stakeholders within the transport sector.

Mr. Mohammad Nurul Amin, Senior Vice-President of Rangpur District Motor Owners Association, chaired the meeting, demonstrating leadership commitment from the transport owners' organization. The keynote presentation was delivered by Kazi Mohammad Hasibul Huq, Project Management Lead of Development Activities of Society (DAS), who provided comprehensive analysis of the current situation regarding tobacco control implementation in public transport, relevant legal provisions, responsibilities of transport owners and workers, and future actions needed. The meeting was facilitated and coordinated by Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Biplobi, Program Coordinator of SHADOW. This combination of leadership and facilitation expertise ensured that the meeting maintained focus on key issues while enabling productive discussion among diverse participants.

The meeting included representation from multiple stakeholder groups reflecting the broad coalition needed for successful tobacco control implementation. Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Mizu, Waste Management Officer from Rangpur City Corporation, and Mohammad Chand Mia, District Coordinator of ADAB (Sushtha Unnayan Sangstha), participated as special guests, bringing government and civil society perspectives to the discussion. Transport owners and workers' union leaders actively participated, representing the primary stakeholders responsible for day-to-day implementation. Representatives from various social and development organizations contributed their expertise and perspectives. Individuals working actively on tobacco control initiatives shared their practical experience and insights.

In his keynote presentation, Kazi Mohammad Hasibul Huq comprehensively addressed the current situation regarding tobacco control implementation in public transport and terminals. He outlined existing legal provisions, highlighted the responsibilities that transport owners and workers bear for implementing tobacco control measures, and discussed the actions needed going forward. The presentation emphasized that while Bangladesh has existing laws controlling smoking and tobacco products use, effective implementation in public transport and public gathering places remains a critical challenge requiring urgent attention. Speakers emphasized that implementing the Tobacco Control Act is not merely a legal compliance issue but a fundamental public health imperative. Transport workers, passengers, and the general public all face serious health risks from secondhand smoke exposure in public transport, and creating smoke-free environments is essential to protecting public health.

The discussion highlighted relevant provisions from multiple legal frameworks governing tobacco control and transport regulation. Participants reviewed the Smoking and Tobacco Products Use (Control) Act 2005 (as amended in 2013 and 2026), which provides the primary legal framework for tobacco control in Bangladesh. The Road Transport Act 2018 and Road Transport Rules 2022 were also discussed, establishing that compliance with tobacco control measures is an integral part of lawful transport operations. These legal frameworks provide the foundation for requiring tobacco-free public transport, and participants recognized the importance of understanding and implementing these provisions.

Speakers emphasized that effective tobacco control in public transport requires coordinated action on multiple fronts. Refraining from smoking and tobacco use in public transport is the individual responsibility of drivers, conductors, and passengers. Displaying anti-smoking warnings and signage at prominent locations is a management responsibility that requires consistent attention. When violations occur, relevant authorities must take prompt enforcement action to establish credible consequences for non-compliance. Beyond these specific measures, transport owners, drivers, workers, passengers, and relevant government authorities must all actively participate in the implementation process, each contributing their unique roles and responsibilities.

Participants recognized that enacting laws controlling tobacco use in public transport, while necessary, is not sufficient by itself to achieve tobacco-free transport environments. Effective implementation requires three complementary elements working together. First, regular monitoring systems must be established to identify violations and track compliance across the transport sector. Second, awareness-raising activities must be conducted to build understanding among transport workers and passengers about tobacco control requirements and their health rationale. Third, consistent enforcement action must be taken against those who violate tobacco control laws, establishing clear consequences that create incentives for compliance. When these three elements—monitoring, awareness, and enforcement—work together effectively, they create conditions for sustained tobacco-free public transport.

Participants issued a specific call to transport owners' associations and workers' unions to take active roles in advancing tobacco control at their respective levels of organization. Transport owner associations can establish internal standards for member compliance, conduct training for transport operators, and coordinate monitoring efforts. Workers' unions can educate their members about tobacco control requirements and support implementation at the vehicle and terminal level. This appeal for active leadership from transport sector organizations recognized that sustainable tobacco control implementation depends fundamentally on the commitment and cooperation of these key stakeholder groups.

The meeting provided specific guidance to participants regarding their responsibilities for implementing tobacco control measures in public transport and terminals. Speakers highlighted the importance of installing signage reading "Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products Prohibited" at prominent locations in buses, minibuses, coaches, and at terminals. Transport staff including drivers and other employees must refrain from smoking, setting a positive example for passengers. Passengers must be informed of tobacco control requirements and encouraged to comply. When violations occur, relevant authorities must be promptly informed so that appropriate enforcement action can be taken. These specific, actionable guidance points gave participants clear understanding of concrete steps needed to implement tobacco control.

Participants discussed the path forward for advancing tobacco control in Rangpur Division's public transport sector. They committed to implementing regular awareness-raising campaigns in public transport and terminals to educate stakeholders about tobacco control requirements and their health importance. Systematic monitoring will be conducted to identify compliance gaps and track progress toward smoke-free public transport. Law enforcement action will be taken consistently against those who violate tobacco control requirements. Together, these coordinated efforts are expected to significantly advance progress toward creating and sustaining tobacco-free public transport throughout Rangpur Division.

The meeting reflected strong commitment from transport sector stakeholders to advance tobacco control. Transport owners' and workers' union leaders acknowledged their responsibility for implementing tobacco control and indicated willingness to cooperate with civil society and government efforts. Government representatives including Rangpur City Corporation officials affirmed government commitment to supporting tobacco control implementation. Civil society organizations demonstrated their readiness to continue advocacy, monitoring, and awareness-raising activities. This broad-based commitment from multiple stakeholder groups creates favorable conditions for meaningful progress in establishing tobacco-free public transport.

Participants recognized that advancing tobacco control in public transport will require sustained effort over time. No single meeting or directive can by itself transform transport sector practices. Rather, effective implementation requires continuous attention, coordination, and reinforcement across multiple institutional actors and individual stakeholders. The meeting established a foundation for this ongoing effort by clarifying roles and responsibilities, building shared understanding of the importance of tobacco control, and creating institutional commitments to action. Going forward, regular follow-up activities, continued monitoring and enforcement, and sustained awareness-raising will be essential to maintaining momentum toward smoke-free public transport in Rangpur Division.