BACKGROUND: The tobacco control law banned: smoking in public places, tobacco advertisement and selling to and by minor (underage of 18) and introduced graphical health warnings. The Ministry of Railways (MoR) is working to implement this law to make rail transport smoke-free to protect 100 million passengers from exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS).
METHODS: MoR conducted quantitative study in 30 large railway stations in Bangladesh. Using structured observation checklists, the study categorizes data across three key sections: station features, smoke-free law compliance, and tobacco point-of sale (POS) compliance. The trained volunteers observed the selected railway stations and documented the findings.
RESULTS: The study found an advancement of TC law implementation in the railway stations, as well as the gaps in existing laws. "No Smoking" signs were visible in 50% rail stations. Active smoking was detected on platforms of all stations and 90.27% of smoking occurrences were also found on platforms. Cigarette butts were evident across platforms and parking spaces. Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use was recorded on 86% platforms. Selling tobacco products in tea-stalls were founded in 80% station premises and tobacco promotion observed at 23% stations, manifested through stickers, brochures, and company emblems.
Compliance exhibited considerable variation, with stations such as Rajshahi demonstrating superior signage, while others were deficient.
Weaknesses of existing law were also identified that platforms and parking areas are not included as public places, SLT use is not banned, and tobacco selling shops are not banned in smokefree public places.
CONCLUSIONS: ​MoR is working to ensure full compliance of TC law following the recommendations from this study. That includes increasing public awareness, installing "No Smoking" signage, removing all POS from all railway premises, and training for railway personnel to observe law implementation. MoR also recommended to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for TC law amendment to address the weaknesses.