A proposed law banning smoking in open places and public transports is likely to be placed before the cabinet for its approval on May 10, health ministry sources said.

Health Minister Dr Khandoker Mosharaf Hossain has expressed 'tremendous interest' to see that the law gets enacted before he goes to an international meeting on tobacco in Geneva, Switzerland on May 15.

"It is very important that we have the law approved prior to our

attending the meeting on ratifying the framework convention on tobacco control," said Health Secretary AFM Sarwar Kamal.

"I am very hopeful that the law would be passed soon. The draft law was returned twice by the cabinet division for corrections. This time 1 am confident (that the law would be finalised)," Kamal said.

The law styled ’Tobacco Control Law’ also proposes banning advertisement of tobacco products in public places or in print and electronic media, leaflets or in any

document.

It would strictly control sale, distribution and consumption of any tobacco products, and any person violating the law would be fined orimprisoned.

Cigarette packets must display pictures of diseased tissue or organ damaged from consumption of tobacco products. Warnings in Bangla and English languages about the possible outcomes of smoking such as cancer of the lung, throat and oral cavity would also be inscribed on the packet.

Manufacturers would also be barred from promotion of tobacco products by distributing them free, giving gifts or sponsoring any programme.

Violators of the law can be fined up to Tk 1,000 and any business establishment or vendor selling or promoting tobacco products in places other than the designated areas can also face up to a year's imprisonment.

The draft law was reviewed at a high level meeting of NGOs, government officials and the antitobacco lobby on April 28. The meeting formed a focal point of 18 ministries to coordinate implementation of the law.

Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) would form a human chain tomorrowin support of the law.

Kazi Rafiqul Alam, executive director of the DAM, said, "The law, if approved, would be the result of years of anti-tobacco movement. But it is not the end. In fact, it is the beginning of an even tougher movement to ensure implementation of the law."

Saifudding Ahmed, coordinator of the Bangladesh Anti-tobacco Alliance (BATA), said, "I am happy that the law is finally going to be approved. But it is only the first step. We must keep the pressure on to stop more people from getting addicted to tobacco."

He said the proposed law still has some weaknesses.

"Instead of punishing the smokers or vendors, the manufacturers should be penalised," he said.