BRTA trains 620 drivers to promote smoke-free public transport
Drivers attend BRTA training on smoke-free public transport. Photo: courtesy
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Drivers attend BRTA training on smoke-free public transport. Photo: courtesy
The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has trained 620 public transport drivers on professional skills, tobacco control laws and the importance of maintaining a smoke-free public transport system
The training programme titled “Professional Skills and Awareness Development Training for Professional Drivers” was conducted in four phases in July 2026 at the Joar Sahara BRTC Bus Depot in Dhaka, according to a press release issued by Dhaka Ahsania Mission.
During the sessions, Adut Rahman Imon, programme officer of the Tobacco Control Project of DAM, presented audio-visual materials on tobacco control laws and the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
Participants were also briefed on the amended Tobacco Control Act 2026, which was passed by the National Parliament on 10 April 2026.
Drivers of buses, CNGs, legunas and tempos attended the training, which highlighted the health risks passengers face from secondhand smoke caused by smoking inside public transport.
The training also covered legal penalties for smoking in prohibited public places, including terminals, airports, railway stations, seaports and government offices.
DAM said such capacity-building programmes are essential for implementing smoke-free policies in public transport and encouraging behavioural changes among transport workers.
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