Public smoking prohibited for all : Home Advisor

Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the Home Affairs Advisor, has stated that public smoking is prohibited for both men and women. 

He made this remark in response to journalists' questions about an attack on two women in Dhaka's Mohammadpur, which was reportedly triggered by their smoking in public.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Public Order Management Police Lines in Mirpur-14 on Sunday afternoon, Chowdhury addressed the incident and the ongoing issue of mob violence across the country. 

"From what I understand about the attack on the two women in Mohammadpur, they were smoking cigarettes. Some local people obstructed them while they were on their way to perform prayers. Tea was thrown at them. As you know, public smoking is prohibited for both men and women. This is a crime, and everyone must abide by it. I urge everyone not to smoke in public. During Ramadan, everyone should exercise restraint. Our religious advisors also have requested that no one shall eat in public as a sign of respect for those fasting."

Earlier, the Home Affairs Advisor visited the canteens and kitchens of various mess halls at the police lines. 

When asked about the absence of mobile courts and crackdowns on syndicates by law enforcement agencies, including RAB, during Ramadan compared to previous years, Chowdhury said, "Although there are no crackdowns on syndicates, the prices of goods are relatively lower this year compared to last year. If prices remain low without enforcement actions, that is a good thing."

Regarding the gas crisis at the police lines, where cooking is being done using firewood due to a lack of gas supply, the Home Affairs Advisor said, "I also noticed that there are gas connections here, but no gas supply. I have already spoken to the Energy Advisor about this issue, and I hope the gas problem will be resolved by tomorrow."

Chowdhury also urged businesses not to raise prices during Ramadan. "I request you not to increase prices. In other countries we see that the prices of goods are reduced during the religious events. In our country, syndicates artificially inflate prices. I urge businesspeople not to raise prices."

Senior officials of the Public Order Management Police Lines were present during the inspection.