In a significant step towards ensuring public health and implementing the Tobacco Control Act, a total of 64 buses in Meherpur have been officially declared smoke-free. The announcement was made on Saturday under the initiative of the District Tobacco Control Task Force and in collaboration with Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, as part of an ongoing effort to promote a tobacco-free environment in public transport.

The event was held at the Meherpur Bus Terminal, where stickers and posters bearing the message “No Smoking” were placed on buses to raise awareness among passengers and transport workers.

The ceremony was presided over by Civil Surgeon Dr. Abdur Shaheed Prodhan, with Additional District Magistrate Abdul Kudus attending as the chief guest. The event also saw participation from District Motor Workers’ Union President Abul Kalam Azad, District Tobacco Control Law Enforcement Committee Member Secretary Dr. Asad Hossain, and Subah’s Project Coordinator Masum Hossain.

Speakers at the event emphasized the need for strict enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act to ensure that all forms of public transport remain smoke-free. They also discussed the harmful effects of both active and passive smoking and encouraged the community to adopt healthier habits.

As part of the campaign, awareness leaflets were distributed among transport workers and passengers, and buses across Meherpur were marked with anti-smoking stickers to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining a clean, smoke-free environment.

This initiative represents a strong commitment from the local administration, health department, and Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha to protect public health and create a tobacco-free Meherpur.