NHFB hails DNCRP move to declare offices tobacco-free

National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFB) has welcomed the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection’s (DNCRP) decision to declare its headquarters and all divisional and district offices across the country as smoke- and tobacco-free areas.

In a press release issued on Saturday, NHFB said the DNCRP issued an office order on July 2 under the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2026, banning smoking and use of all tobacco products within the premises and compounds of its headquarters and all field offices. The directive also requires installation of visible signage identifying the premises as smoke- and tobacco-free.

The foundation noted the decision followed a discussion meeting held on June 28, jointly organised by Tobacco Control Program of National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute and the DNCRP.

The meeting focused on implementing the amended tobacco control law by ensuring a-‘100-percent-smoke-free environment’ across all DNCRP offices. The NHFB described the subsequent office order as a fulfillment of the commitment made during the discussion.

According to the NHFB, the amended law prohibits smoking and use of tobacco products in all public places and public transport, while expanding the definition of public places to include government offices, workplaces, building entrances, verandas, exits, and adjacent open spaces.

It also bans the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, sports venues, and children’s parks.

NHFB President Prof Khondker Abdul Awal Rizvi said the DNCRP’s initiative has set a strong example for implementing the revised law and urged both public and private institutions to establish completely smoke- and tobacco-free workplaces to protect public health and reduce non-communicable diseases.