Press Release
16 October, 2026, 08:00 am
Last modified: 16 October, 2026, 08:01 am
A total of 960 public transport drivers received training under a Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) initiative, conducted in collaboration with Dhaka Ahsania Mission, to promote a sustainable, smoke-free public transport system—the training aimed to strengthen professional skills and awareness among drivers.
The programme, titled "Professional Skills and Awareness-Enhancing Training for Professional Drivers", was organised in six phases at the Zoar Sahara BRTC Bus Depot in Dhaka in October 2026, according to the press release. Drivers were invited to attend the training under the BRTA initiative, in partnership with Dhaka Ahsania Mission.
Adut Rahman Emon, programme officer for Dhaka Ahsania Mission's Tobacco Control Project, presented a documentary on tobacco control law implementation and tobacco's health hazards.
Participants also received information about amendments to tobacco control legislation, which the release said parliament passed on 10 April, 2026.
The training brought together bus, CNG autorickshaw, Laguna and tempo drivers. Sessions covered the harmful effects of smoking and second-hand smoke, health risks associated with tobacco use and relevant legal requirements.
Speakers said smoking by drivers and their assistants exposed passengers, particularly women and children, to second-hand smoke and posed serious health risks.
Videos illustrated the harmful effects of smoking on public transport and explained the associated legal obligations.
The sessions also highlighted legal restrictions on smoking in public places and gatherings, including bus terminals, airports, railway stations, seaports and government offices, and the penalties for violations.
Dhaka Ahsania Mission said such initiatives could help implement smoke-free policies on public transport and encourage behavioural change.
The organisation said it would continue conducting awareness and training activities to protect public health.