Forty-one per cent smokers suffer from cancer, heart ailment, high blood pressure and other lung diseases, the speakers added.

They were speaking at a discussion at the BIWA Head Office in the city. Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) and World Health Organisation (WHO) jointly organised the discussion on Smoke Free Environment, says a press release.

Speaking at the discussion, Bangladesh Inland Water Ways (passenger carriers) (BIWA) Acting Chairman Alhaj Md Badiuzzaman Badal said smoking has been prohibited in launches and water transports.

Badal said pasting of 'No Smoking' stickers is compulsory in launches and passenger vessels from now onwards. He stressed creating awareness about bad effects of smoking as well as strict enforcement of the Smoking Control Act and mobilisation of a social movement against smoking both in urban and rural areas.

Law Commission member and former inspector general of police (IGP) Dr M Enamul Huq attended the discussion as the chief guest while Health and Family Welfare Ministry Joint Secretary Md Jahangir was present as special guest.

WHO National Professional Officer Dr Mostafa Zaman presented the key-note paper at the discussion while BIWA Vice Chairman Lutfur Rahman Raumi Kislu and Anti-tobacco Alliance Coordinator Saifuddin Mahbub were the main discussants.

They urged the journalists of print and electronic media to play their due role in creating mass awareness against smoking.

Dr Mostafa Zaman replied to the queries of participants in the discussion.