Those smoking on trains, at stations will face legal action: Minister

All areas under Bangladesh Railway, including train bogies and stations, have been declared "tobacco-free zone" and those who will not comply with the rule will face legal action, Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan said today.

"Railway stations, platforms, and bogies of trains have been declared smoking and tobacco-free zone and those who violate the law will be brought to book," he said.

The minister came up with the warning while inaugurating a project titled "Initiative to make Bangladesh Railway tobacco-free" at Rail Bhaban today.

Photo: PID

"It is not possible to stop smoking or tobacco use through enacting a law or through campaign if we can't stop the source of tobacco," said Sujan.

He also urged all concerned to take effective steps so that people abstain from smoking during train journe. The Minister stressed the need for taking effective steps through taking field-level plan.

The Railways Ministry has taken the project with the financial assistance of a US-based organisation 'The Union'. The goal of the project is to keep children, women, people who are unwell, pregnant women and non-smoking passengers safe from the effects of smoking.