Despite mounting evidence of the harms caused by tobacco smoke and the growing impact of cigarette-related environmental pollution, smoking in open public spaces remains largely unrestricted in Bangladesh. This has raised serious concerns among health experts, environmentalists, and parents. Why hasn’t the government implemented a more stringent ban to protect children and the environment? The answers lie in a complex mix of policy gaps, enforcement challenges, and socio-cultural factors.
Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens. While the risks to smokers are widely recognized, what is less discussed is the danger of secondhand smoke, particularly in open spaces where families and children often gather—parks, bus stops, markets, and roadside tea stalls.
Children are especially vulnerable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of respiratory infections, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and even cognitive delays in children. In Bangladesh, where outdoor areas are some of the only recreational spaces available to many children, allowing smoking in these environments undermines their right to a safe and healthy upbringing.
Cigarettes aren’t just a health issue—they’re also a major pollutant. Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world, and Bangladesh is no exception. These filters contain plastic (cellulose acetate) and take years to decompose. When discarded carelessly in parks, sidewalks, and drains, they pollute soil and waterways, harming wildlife and marine ecosystems.
Furthermore, the chemicals in cigarette butts, including nicotine, arsenic, and lead, leach into the environment, causing long-term ecological damage. Urban drainage systems in Dhaka and Chittagong are already under pressure, and cigarette litter only worsens blockages and flooding risks.
Bangladesh took a progressive step with the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005, later amended in 2013. The law prohibits smoking in public transport and indoor public spaces. However, open public spaces remain a grey area. The law does not categorically ban smoking in parks, streets, or markets, leaving major loopholes. To further strengthen tobacco control and build on the progress achieved, some critical amendments are proposed. First, a complete ban on smoking in all public places, workplaces, and public transport is essential to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke and create a healthier environment for all. Second, the prohibition of displaying tobacco products at points of sale will reduce the visibility of these harmful products and discourage impulse purchases.
Third, banning corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities of tobacco companies will prevent misleading influence over public policies and societal perceptions. Fourth, the prohibition of single-stick or retail sale of bidi-cigarettes and unwrapped tobacco products will make tobacco less accessible, particularly to teenagers and low-income groups, significantly reducing consumption. Finally, increasing the size of pictorial health warnings from 50% to 90% and enforcing stricter rules on packaging, including plain packaging, will raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and discourage initiation and continued usage.
Moreover, enforcement is weak. Signage is often missing or ignored, and local authorities rarely issue fines. A lack of awareness and training among enforcement personnel further compounds the issue.
Why Hasn’t an Outdoor Ban Been Implemented?
Several reasons explain the delay or inaction: Cultural Normalization of Smoking: Smoking, especially among men, is socially accepted in Bangladesh. Public smoking is often seen as a minor nuisance rather than a public health threat.
Tobacco Industry Influence: Bangladesh is a significant market for tobacco companies, which exert economic and political influence. The industry employs thousands and contributes to government revenue, making policymakers hesitant to implement strict measures.
Lack of Public Pressure: Unlike issues such as air pollution or food safety, smoking in open spaces hasn’t sparked strong public outcry. Many people are unaware of the health and environmental consequences.
Enforcement Limitations: Policing outdoor smoking would require considerable manpower and resources, which local authorities often lack.
Several countries have successfully banned smoking in open spaces where children are likely to be present. For instance, Australia, New Zealand, France, Britain, and parts of Canada prohibit smoking in parks, school zones, and beaches. These policies are supported by education campaigns and robust enforcement, demonstrating that change is achievable with political will and public backing.
The Way Forward for Bangladesh
If Bangladesh is serious about meeting its public health goals and environmental commitments, it must act decisively:
Amend the law to include a clear ban on smoking in all public open spaces, especially near schools, hospitals, parks, and playgrounds.
Increase public awareness campaigns about the dangers of secondhand smoke and cigarette litter. Empower local authorities with the legal tools and resources to enforce outdoor smoking bans. Encourage community action—from school groups to environmental NGOs—to report violations and promote smoke-free zones.
Smoking in open spaces is not a matter of personal choice when it affects the health of others and the environment. In Bangladesh, where children make up a large share of the population and green spaces are already limited, protecting these areas from the harms of smoking should be a national priority. It’s time for policymakers to bridge the gap between intention and action, because clean air and a healthy environment are not luxuries, but rights.
The writer is former student, University of Dhaka and Youth Advocate, Ahsania Mission Youth Forum For Health and Wellbeing
