Another Dhaka University hall bans smoking after student complaints

Dhaka University’s Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall has banned smoking in public places following student complaints, becoming the second dormitory to impose such restrictions after F Rahman Hall.

The hall administration announced the decision in a statement on Monday.

To ensure a safe, secure, and student-friendly environment, the administration has prohibited public smoking and drug use.

According to the statement, anyone caught smoking in public will be fined between Tk 50 and Tk 300 under government rules.

Those found consuming or possessing yaba, hemp, heroin, or any other drug will be expelled from the hall in the presence of their guardians, it added.

Asked about the move, Provost Prof Md Faruk Shah said the decision was taken following complaints from students about people smoking in the canteen and on the hall premises.

“The ban is in line with national laws. It is not something new -- we announced it now because of repeated complaints from students,” he said.

“Some may enjoy smoking personally, but it is unacceptable if others are affected by it. That is the reasoning behind this initiative,” he added.

When asked whether the rule could lead to mobs among students, the provost replied, “If anyone is found smoking and the administration is informed, we will take appropriate action.

"No student or student organisation is authorised to enforce the rule. If anyone notices someone smoking, they should report it to us, and we will investigate and take action.”

Earlier, authorities at F Rahman Hall imposed similar bans on smoking and drug use.