Ban on smoking

I had an opportunity to view a TV programme organised by "Adhunik" where Dr. Badrudduzza Chowdhury was the main speaker. In the discussion, he told the audience that nobody could identify a single merit of smoking. He mentioned a lot of demerits of smoking-- cancer, heart disease, etc.

In fact, it is hard for the people to quit smoking, particularly those habituated since long and in practice we find different pictures in our society. The government is receiving huge revenue from tobacco manufacturing companies and the amount is increasing every year. It indicates the increasing rate of tobacco users in the country as well.

In the business community, most of the senior executives and especially the sales and marketing people are smokers. I know some prominent physicians who have this habit as well. I asked one of my friends in this group and he gave me some idea. The addicted feel compelled to smoke when they are in mental anxiety or in a relaxed mood. Actually it is a kind of mental dependence.

Smoking also has a social aspect. People try to befriend others through offering a cigarette. That is an age-old ploy.

Whatever the philosophy behind smoking is, this ban will have a significant impact on the future generation. But our law-enforcing agencies should be honest to avoid any abuse of the law and unwanted harassment of innocent people.

We have to look forward to the cocoon of a problem before solving it. For example, we cannot get any benefit from spending a lot of money in educational reforms unless we are aware of the problem of copying. Similarly, we cannot be successful in controlling addiction unless local production of alcohol is stopped.

The ban on smoking in public places is a praiseworthy step, but it has to be enforced strictly.

Senjuti Shuvo Ahmed North Hall, Dhaka College, Dhaka-1205