An anti-smoking leaflet campaign was recently held at the Meherpur Bus Terminal, aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and to promote a smoke-free public transport environment.

The campaign was organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, in collaboration with the Health Department and BT Trust, under the broader initiative of the Tobacco Control Law Implementation Program. Representatives from various social organizations, journalists, and transport workers actively participated in the event.

As part of the campaign, leaflets were distributed among drivers, helpers, and passengers to encourage them to avoid smoking in public transport and to help build a smoke-free environment in Meherpur.

The program was inaugurated by Civil Surgeon Dr. Abdur Shaheed Prodhan, who emphasized that maintaining smoke-free public transport is essential for safeguarding public health and ensuring a cleaner environment. He urged everyone, especially transport workers, to cooperate in the proper enforcement of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act.

Also present at the event were Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ismail Hossain, District Tobacco Control Task Force Member Secretary Dr. Asad Hossain, and Subah’s Executive Director Moinul Alam. The speakers highlighted the importance of raising public awareness through continuous campaigns and community engagement.

Before the campaign began, leaders from the Bus Owners Association and Transport Workers Union pledged their support for keeping public vehicles completely smoke-free. They also expressed their commitment to help distribute awareness materials and monitor compliance among drivers and passengers.

This campaign marks another step in Meherpur’s ongoing efforts to implement the Tobacco Control Law and establish a healthy, smoke-free community for all.

 In a significant step towards ensuring public health and implementing the Tobacco Control Act, a total of 64 buses in Meherpur have been officially declared smoke-free. The announcement was made on Saturday under the initiative of the District Tobacco Control Task Force and in collaboration with Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, as part of an ongoing effort to promote a tobacco-free environment in public transport.

The event was held at the Meherpur Bus Terminal, where stickers and posters bearing the message “No Smoking” were placed on buses to raise awareness among passengers and transport workers.

The ceremony was presided over by Civil Surgeon Dr. Abdur Shaheed Prodhan, with Additional District Magistrate Abdul Kudus attending as the chief guest. The event also saw participation from District Motor Workers’ Union President Abul Kalam Azad, District Tobacco Control Law Enforcement Committee Member Secretary Dr. Asad Hossain, and Subah’s Project Coordinator Masum Hossain.

Speakers at the event emphasized the need for strict enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act to ensure that all forms of public transport remain smoke-free. They also discussed the harmful effects of both active and passive smoking and encouraged the community to adopt healthier habits.

As part of the campaign, awareness leaflets were distributed among transport workers and passengers, and buses across Meherpur were marked with anti-smoking stickers to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining a clean, smoke-free environment.

This initiative represents a strong commitment from the local administration, health department, and Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha to protect public health and create a tobacco-free Meherpur.

 

A discussion meeting was held in Meherpur to mark World No Tobacco Day, organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha and the Department of Health, with the support of the District Administration. The event aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and promote a tobacco-free society for better public health.

The meeting took place at the Conference Room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Meherpur, and was presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Shafiqul Islam. The discussion focused on the implementation of the Tobacco Control Act, the dangers of smoking and tobacco use, and the importance of collective responsibility in creating a smoke-free environment.

Speakers highlighted that tobacco use poses a major threat to health and human life, especially among the youth, and emphasized strict enforcement of existing laws to protect non-smokers from exposure.

Special guest Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Rabiul Islam discussed the government’s initiatives to reduce tobacco use and improve public awareness. He also urged local organizations and volunteers to join the anti-tobacco movement and continue awareness programs at the community level.

Other attendees included representatives from various government departments, journalists, NGO workers, and members of civil society. The speakers stressed that to build a healthy Bangladesh, it is essential to make homes, workplaces, and public areas completely smoke-free.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to support all anti-tobacco activities and work together to build a tobacco-free Meherpur for a healthier future generation.