Law is not enough
The government some months back passed a law imposing restriction on smoking in some places that are defined as public places under the law. We, the non-smokers, are extremely happy to see such an initiative taken by the government and expected enforcement of that law. But the actual scenario is totally frustrating as there is no impact of the law over the smokers of our country. Some days back I was travelling in a public bus where people were smoking without any hesitation. I requested some of them not to smoke and asked, "Why are you smoking in a bus? Don't you know that it is no longer permissible under law?" But they were no convinced by what I said.
Actually, mere enactment of a law cannot bring about the desired change. It works only when people develop the habit of going by the law. But here in our country that is rare. So we continue to suffer.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.