The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFB) on Saturday welcomed the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection's (DNCRP) decision to declare its headquarters and all divisional and district offices across the country as smoke- and tobacco-free, describing the move as a significant step towards protecting public health and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
NHFB President Professor Khondker Abdul Awal Rizvi said ensuring a 100 per cent smoke-free environment in government institutions is essential for safeguarding public health and reducing the burden of NCDs.
"The initiative taken by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection sets a positive example for implementing the amended tobacco control law. We hope that other government and private institutions will follow this initiative and take effective measures to establish completely smoke- and tobacco-free workplaces," he said.
In a press release, the NHFB said the DNCRP issued an office order on July 2 under the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2026, prohibiting smoking and the use of all tobacco products within the premises of its headquarters and all divisional and district offices.
The order also instructed all offices to install clearly visible signs declaring their premises as "Smoke- and Tobacco-Free Areas".
According to the release, the Tobacco Control Programme of the National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, in collaboration with the DNCRP, organised a discussion on June 28 titled, "Measures to Ensure a 100 Per Cent Smoke-Free Environment in the Offices of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection in Line with the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2026."
Participants at the meeting discussed issuing an official order declaring all DNCRP offices completely smoke- and tobacco-free as part of implementing the amended tobacco control law.
The NHFB said the subsequent issuance of the office order fulfilled the commitment made during the discussion.
The foundation noted that the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2026 prohibits smoking and the use of tobacco products in all public places and public transport, whether motorised or non-motorised.
The amended law also expands the definition of public places to include government offices, workplace premises, building verandas, entrances and exits, and adjacent open spaces.
In addition, Section 6B of the amended law bans the sale of tobacco and tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, sports venues and children's parks, a measure aimed at reducing children's and young people's access to tobacco products, the release added.