DUJA calls for effective action to ensure a tobacco-free campus

The Dhaka University Journalists Association (DUJA) has called for effective enforcement of the relevant provisions of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005 (Amended 2026) to ensure a tobacco- and smoke-free campus at the University of Dhaka.

The association also pledged to support tobacco control measures on campus and contribute to protecting public health through responsible and evidence-based journalism.

DUJA made the call at a discussion meeting titled “Legal Obligations of the University of Dhaka to Ensure a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus and the Role of the Dhaka University Journalists Association” on Tuesday (29 September) at the Shaheed Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury Auditorium of the Faculty of Arts, University of Dhaka.

The Dhaka University Journalists Association and Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP) jointly organised the meeting.

DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Mohammad Almujaddade Alfane attended the programme as the chief guest, while Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof Md Abul Kalam Sarker was present as a special guest. DORP Programme Coordinator Zeba Afroza delivered a presentation at the event.

The presentation highlighted the scale of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke in Bangladesh. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2017, around 37.8 million adults in Bangladesh use tobacco, while around 38.4 million adults are exposed to second-hand smoke in workplaces, public places and public transport.

It also referred to a study published in The Lancet, which found that exposure to second-hand smoke caused around 1.7 million deaths worldwide in 2023.

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The meeting discussed provisions of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005 (Amended 2026). Under Section 4 of the Act, smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited in public places and public transport, including educational institutions. The law also does not permit designated smoking areas in such places.

Section 6(b) of the Act prohibits the sale of tobacco and tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, sports facilities and children's parks.

Against this backdrop, speakers stressed the need for the University of Dhaka to take institutional measures to effectively implement tobacco control provisions across the campus.

They said legislation alone cannot ensure a tobacco-free campus. The university authorities need to install appropriate “No Smoking” signs at different locations, prevent the sale of tobacco products and take effective measures to maintain a smoke-free environment, they said.

The speakers also highlighted the role of DUJA in supporting tobacco control through responsible journalism. They discussed reporting on the progress of tobacco control measures on campus, informing students about tobacco control laws and public health, and publishing investigative and follow-up reports on the tobacco control situation.

They also stressed the importance of highlighting initiatives taken by the university administration through the media.

Participants said evidence-based journalism, regular coverage of public-interest issues and institutional accountability can contribute to enforcing tobacco control laws and protecting public health.

They called for coordinated efforts involving the university administration, students, teachers, officers, employees and media professionals to establish the University of Dhaka as a safe, healthy and tobacco-free educational environment. Manjur Hossain Mahi, president of DUJA, chaired the meeting. Liton Islam, general secretary of DUJA, and other members of the association were also attended the programme.