DHAKA: The percentage of people who smoke has been increased to 49—eight percent more than that of last year--while percentage of juvenile and youth smokers has increased to 69, 12-percent more from last year.

Besides, some 97 percent smokers did not pay fines for smoking at the public places.

Clean Air, a non government organization, made the revealed the data during unveiling a survey report related to the impact of tobacco in Bangladesh at a press conference at Sagor-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity in the city on Sunday.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu attended the function as the chief guest.

The survey was conducted on some 1,000 people in the northern districts of Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Rangpur and in several parts of Kushtia district.

Iqbal Ahmed, on behalf of the organizers, presented the survey report. 

He said, “Some 98 percent people of the country think more youths have been attracted to smoking than earlier because of availability of cigarette in low price.”

The report findings said, “A person expanses Tk 45 to Tk 50 daily in average for smoking, 34 percent people do not know that smoking at public places is prohibited.”

A total of 65 percent claimed there is hardly campaign on dangerous aspects of smoking and 46 percent people are known about the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act 2013, according to the survey.

The Act has a provision for simple imprisonment for three months and a fine of Tk 100,000 for airing any advertisement for tobacco products and a fine of Tk 100 for smoking in public places.

BDST: 1838HRS MAY 18, 2014