Smoking in public banned for both men and women in Bangladesh

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said public smoking must be avoided out of respect for those fasting, mentioning that it is prohibited in open spaces for both men and women, being a punishable offence.

He made these remarks on Sunday afternoon while responding to journalists' questions after inspecting the Public Order Management Division office in Mirpur 14, Dhaka.

In response to a question regarding a recent attack on two women in Mohammadpur over smoking, the adviser said: "As far as I know, the two women were smoking cigarettes. Some local individuals, who were on their way to prayers, objected and [the women] threw tea at them. Everyone must remember that smoking in open spaces is prohibited for both men and women."

"Since it is Ramadan, everyone must practice restraint. Our religious adviser has also urged everyone not to eat in public. This is a way to show respect to those who are fasting," he added.