In order to save non-smokers, all tourist spots would be made smoke-free. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Faruq Khan told in a roundtable at CIRDAP on 10 November 2012 , auditorium  while he was addressing as chief guest. He also expressed hope for building Bangladesh as an eco-friendly tourist country. Md. Kamrul Hasan, Associate Professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management Department of Dhaka University, presented key note in the program and Abul Hasan, President of WBB Trust was in the chair. Dr. Jasim Uddin, Civil Surgeon of Dhaka, Tourism Expert Faruq Hasan, Syed Mahbubul Alam, a tobacco control activist, and Ziaul Haq Hawlader, President of Bangladesh Eco-Tourism Society were present as discussants.

Honorable Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan said installation of Smoke-free signage will be mandatory for all smoke-free institutions so that people can be aware of its smoke-free status. In addition, consultancy would be made with Ministry of Home Affairs for comprehensive implementation of tobacco control law. He also declared to address law amendment issue in the Jatiya Sangsad to strengthen anti tobacco law.

Civil Surgeon, Dr. Jasim Uddin said, possibility of cancer, stroke, and heart diseases occurrence among women and children increases for passive smoking. Tourist spots are to be smoke-free because many women and children visit tourist spots, he added.  

Advocate Syed Mahbubul Alam said smoking by smokers violates rights of non-smokers. About 1 crore (10 million) women are impinged by passive smoking at public places and public transports in Bangladesh. Scope of smoke-free places should be stretched to save people from passive smoking. He also said Bangladesh tobacco control has advanced much which is to be continued through active role play by mass people for law implementation because compliance is more important than implementation.

Faruq Hasan said many countries in the world have become example of eco-tourism by restricting in-public smoking. Such initiatives should be undertaken in our country also. In order to make tourist journey pleasant, easy and enjoyable not only buildings but places like Cox’s Bazar together with historical places should be made and kept smoke-free.

The speakers also said anti-tobacco movement is becoming strong in Bangladesh. Smoke-free places are increasing for go-ngo enterprises. scope of smoke-free places should be increased through law amendment. No smoking zone would be allowed at smoke-free places. The program was also addressed by Tushar Rehman of Citizen Rights Movement, Helal Ahmed of Protyasha Anti-Drugs Club, and Ibnul Syed Rana of Nirapad Development Foundation.