The leaders of Bangladesh Inland Waterways (Passenger Carrier) Association (BIWPCA) strongly demanded the speedy passage of the amended draft of the Tobacco Control Act.

The leaders of the organization made this demand in a joint discussion with the Dhaka Ahsania Mission on Saturday at Purana Paltan.

They observed that smoking is now permitted on many cruise ships. Apart from this, the display and sale of tobacco products continue on  boats.

“As there is no direct obstacle in this regard in the law, the parties concerned are not able to take necessary measures”, said Senior Vice President of the organisation Alhaj Md. Badiuzzaman Badal while presiding over the meeting.

Abdus Salam Mia, Grants Manager of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Bangladesh, Vice President of BIWPCA Abul Kalam Khan, Director SM Abdul Jabbar, Members Md. Mamun Or Rashid, Abdul Qayyum Sheikh, Secretary Siddiqur Rahman Patwari, Dhaka Ahsania Mission Health Sector Deputy Director Md Mokhleshur Rahman were present in the meeting.

Several loopholes in the existing tobacco control law were highlighted in the discussion.

Abdus Salam Miah said that if the amended draft tobacco control law is passed, the gaps in the tobacco control law will be minimized.

Besides, tobacco use will decrease and new ones will be discouraged to take up tobacco. On the other hand, it will be possible to completely stop smoking in public transport including launches, he added.