MoCAT takes initiatives for a Tobacco-free Bangladesh

Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism (MoCAT) has formulated Tobacco-Free hospitality sector strategy paper in order to rescue the people from the harms of secondhand smoking.

MoCAT along with technical supports from National Tobacco Control Cell, Dhaka Ahsania Mission and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids formed the strategy.

Restaurants, hotels, motels, guest houses, resorts, tourist spots, bars, picnic spots, theme parks, party centers, theatres, cruise boats and all other transports and specific sites set by government and local government will be brought as the service providers included in the strategy paper which will display adequate visual no-smoking signage according to the Smoking and Tobacco (Control) Law 2005.

"The MoCAT will also formulate a monitoring team under the supervision of the focal person to review the progress of the tobacco control activities of the ministry," Deputy-Secretary (Biman), MoCAT and focal person for tobacco control activities, Sabera Akter said.

Representatives from Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Bangladesh Tourism Board, National Tobacco Control Cell, Dhaka Ahsania Mission and hotels-motels will be included in the monitoring team which will be formed very soon, she said about the monitoring team.

"The hospitality guideline is a very positive step to implement the existing law especially to materialize the "Tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040" the goal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," Aminul Islam Sujon, Program Officer of the National Tobacco Control Cell said.

Dhaka Ahsnia Mission's Assistant Director, Mukhlesur Rahman informed in order to ensure the health of children, females, and personnel working in this sector, DAM has provided technical support to the MoCAT to formulate the Tobacco-Free Hospitality Sector Strategy paper.

According to GATS 2017, almost 22% population in government buildings/offices are being exposed to secondhand smoke.