DAS — Development Activities of Society
Tobacco Control Project

Project Report (Year-01) Third Phase

Baseline study · October 2024

Phase 3

Project

Enforcing Tobacco Control Law 2005 in Bus and Water Transport: Empowering Through Capacity Building and Communication

A new project that builds on the earlier rounds. Its baseline study, in October 2024, surveyed 540 people at bus terminals and river ports in and around Dhaka to see how the smoke-free law is enforced and where the gaps are.

1 key achievements2 documents

540

People surveyed at 3 intercity bus terminals, 5 local bus stops and 2 river ports

94.39%

Of transport staff have had no formal training on enforcing the law

20.64%

Of passengers never saw a “No Smoking” sign in the terminal

15.55%

Of passengers find enforcement of the law adequate

About this phase

The third phase is a new project, “Enforcing Tobacco Control Law 2005 in Bus and Water Transport: Empowering Through Capacity Building and Communication”. It begins with a baseline study (October 2024) of how the Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act, 2005 is enforced at bus terminals and launch terminals in Dhaka and nearby areas.

The study interviewed 540 passengers, transport staff and stakeholders at 3 intercity bus terminals, 5 local bus stops and 2 river ports. Almost everyone knows that smoking in public places is punishable (98.93% of passengers and 99.07% of staff), but enforcement is weak: 94.39% of staff have had no formal training, and only 15.55% of passengers find enforcement adequate.

What the study recommends

Capacity building: train transport staff and law-enforcement officials in the Act and in resolving conflicts, and give them stronger backing from management.

Awareness: put up more visible ‘No Smoking’ signs and make regular public announcements about the health risks and the law.

Technology and policy: introduce a mobile app to report violations, and set up a proper monitoring and reporting system with the enforcement authorities.

Collaboration: involve transport unions and local government in enforcement, and build public–private partnerships for training and awareness.

Key achievements

1
  1. 2024
  2. October 2024DAS

    The baseline study for the new project was completed: a survey of 540 passengers, transport staff and stakeholders at bus terminals and river ports in and around Dhaka.

    Baseline study report, October 2024PDF

Documents & reports

1

Baseline Study Report 2024

Baseline study for the project “Enforcing Tobacco Control Law 2005 in Bus and Water Transport: Empowering Through Capacity Building and Communication”, October 2024. Consultant: Md. Asrar Habib.

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