Bangladesh, Aug. 24 -- All 566 offices of the Bangladesh Rural Development Board (BRDB), including its headquarters, have been declared completely tobacco free as part of a government initiative to protect public health and safeguard non smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

BRDB Director General (Additional Secretary) A.K.M. Tarek announced the decision at a discussion meeting titled "Declaration of All Bangladesh Rural Development Board Offices as Tobacco Free" at the BRDB headquarters on Monday.

Speaking as the chief guest, Tarek said smoking does not only harm smokers, but also exposes non smokers to serious health risks. He said the use of smokeless tobacco products such as zarda, gul and sadapata can also cause se...