BACKGROUND: The GATS Survey (2017) indicates that 24% of adults in Bangladesh are exposed to secondhand smoking (SHS) in public transport. The Tobacco Control Law 2005 imposes a fine of 300 BDT for smoking in public places or transport, while failure to display no-smoking signage results in a 1000 BDT fine.
This study evaluates the implementation of tobacco control laws in bus and waterway terminals in Bangladesh as of December 2023. It focuses on creating smoke-free and Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS)-free environments, assessing awareness, compliance, and enforcement mechanisms to identify progress and challenges in achieving tobacco-free public transport.
METHODS: A two-phase approach was employed, combining a baseline survey in 2023 and a compliance study in 2024. The study utilized structured surveys, in-depth interviews with key informants, and systematic on-site observations. Participants included passengers, transport workers, and regulatory authorities responsible for enforcing compliance.
Data collection involved well-designed questionnaires to capture quantitative insights and detailed visual assessments of terminal facilities. Comparative analysis with baseline data identified trends, gaps, and improvements in adherence to tobacco control measures, providing a comprehensive understanding of policy effectiveness.
RESULTS: Awareness of tobacco control laws rose among transport staff (76% from 33%) and passengers (53% from 20%). Smoking incidents among passengers decreased from 75% to 45%, and anti-tobacco signage improved from 14% to 54%. Transport staff increasingly protested against smoking incidents, while workplace smoking declined. However, enforcement challenges persist, with tobacco marketing observed in 52.94% of areas and smoking paraphernalia in 82.35%. Barriers include lack of directives, limited resources, and inconsistent compliance.
CONCLUSIONS: Significant progress has been made in awareness and reducing smoking incidents. However, enforcement gaps and pervasive tobacco marketing hinder full compliance. Strengthening enforcement, public education, and stakeholder collaboration are crucial. Achievements, including official orders and awareness campaigns, demonstrate the potential for further progress with scaled-up efforts.