DNCC pledges stronger action to build smoke-free capital

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a smoke-free and tobacco-free environment through stricter enforcement of tobacco control laws, enhanced public awareness campaigns and stronger collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The commitment was highlighted at a capacity-building workshop titled “The Role of Dhaka North City Corporation in Ensuring a Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Environment”, jointly organised by DNCC and the organisation Dhaka Ahsania Mission at the corporation’s conference hall on Monday.

Speaking at the event, DNCC officials stressed that protecting public health remains a key priority and that sustained efforts would be undertaken to effectively implement the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Act 2026.

The workshop was chaired by Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, Chief Health Officer of DNCC.

A keynote presentation was delivered by Shariful Islam, Coordinator of the Tobacco Control Project at Dhaka Ahsania Mission. He outlined the current tobacco use scenario in Bangladesh, the health risks associated with second-hand smoke and the challenges involved in enforcing tobacco control legislation.

According to data presented at the workshop from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2017, around 37.8 million people in Bangladesh use tobacco products, including approximately 19.2 million smokers. Nearly 40 million people are exposed to second-hand smoke, while tobacco-related diseases are responsible for about 200,000 premature deaths annually.

The presentation also noted the significant economic burden of tobacco consumption, estimating that tobacco-related health and environmental damages cost the country nearly Tk 870 billion each year.

Participants observed that effective enforcement of tobacco control laws, alongside increased public awareness and coordinated action among government agencies, civil society organisations and community stakeholders, is essential for building a healthier urban environment.

Speakers at the workshop emphasised that city corporations have an important role in ensuring compliance with tobacco control regulations in public places and workplaces. They also highlighted the need for regular monitoring and public engagement to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and discourage tobacco use.

Representatives of Dhaka Ahsania Mission pledged continued support to DNCC in implementing tobacco control initiatives. The organisation said it would provide technical assistance for capacity development, training programmes, development of warning messages and production of awareness materials to facilitate the effective implementation of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act.

Officials said the Dhaka North City Corporation would take the lead in implementing these initiatives at the field level, while maintaining close cooperation with partner organisations and relevant agencies.

Both DNCC and Dhaka Ahsania Mission reiterated their commitment to working jointly to strengthen tobacco control measures and promote a healthier and safer environment for city residents.

Among those attending the workshop were Dr Imdadul Haque, Deputy Chief Health Officer of DNCC; Dr Mahmuda Ali, Health Officer; Mostafizur Rahman, former chairman of BCIC; Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission; senior officials from various departments of the city corporation; and members of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum.

The participants expressed optimism that stronger enforcement, public education and institutional cooperation would contribute significantly to achieving a tobacco-free and smoke-free Dhaka in the coming years.