Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urged the public to refrain from smoking in open spaces, reminding everyone that public smoking is a punishable offense. He made this appeal while addressing journalists after inspecting the ‘Public Order Management’ at Police Lines on Sunday (March 2).

Responding to a question about a mob attack on two women in Mohammadpur’s Lalmatia area over smoking, the adviser stated, “From what I have learned, the two women were smoking cigarettes. Some locals confronted them while they were on their way to prayers. Tea was thrown at them, leading to the incident.”

He emphasized the importance of adhering to laws prohibiting public smoking and urged citizens to respect the ongoing Ramadan month. “You all know that smoking in public is prohibited for both men and women. It is a punishable offense, and everyone should abide by this law. I urge everyone not to smoke in public. During Ramadan, we should all practice restraint. Our religious advisers have requested that no one eat in public out of respect for those fasting,” he said.

The Home Affairs Adviser also addressed the issue of rising commodity prices during Ramadan. He called on businesses to avoid inflating prices and highlighted the importance of maintaining affordability for essential goods. “I urge you to appeal to traders not to increase the prices of goods. In other religious communities, prices are often reduced during religious festivals. However, in our country, syndicates artificially inflate prices. I request businesspeople not to raise prices,” he said.

When asked about police actions to control market prices, the adviser noted that while there have been no specific operations against syndicates this year, commodity prices are relatively lower compared to the previous year. “Even without conducting operations, if prices remain low, that is a positive sign,” he added.

The incident in Mohammadpur’s Lalmatia area, where two women were attacked for smoking in public, has sparked discussions about public behavior and the enforcement of laws. The Home Affairs Adviser’s remarks underscore the need for citizens to respect laws and maintain social harmony, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Public smoking has been a contentious issue in Bangladesh, with laws in place to discourage the practice. The Home Affairs Adviser’s reminder serves as a call for greater awareness and compliance with these regulations. His appeal also highlights the importance of fostering a respectful and considerate society, particularly during religious observances.

The issue of price hikes during Ramadan has been a recurring concern for citizens. The Home Affairs Adviser’s call to businesses reflects the government’s efforts to ensure affordability and accessibility of essential goods during this period. His remarks also shed light on the challenges posed by syndicates and the need for effective measures to curb price manipulation.

The Home Affairs Adviser’s comments come at a time when the government is focusing on maintaining public order and ensuring the well-being of citizens. His emphasis on respecting laws and promoting social harmony aligns with broader efforts to create a more disciplined and considerate society.

As Ramadan continues, the Home Affairs Adviser’s message serves as a reminder for citizens to uphold the values of restraint, respect, and compliance with laws. His appeal to businesses to avoid price hikes also underscores the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring a peaceful and affordable Ramadan for all.

The incident in Lalmatia and the subsequent remarks by the Home Affairs Adviser highlight the need for greater awareness and enforcement of laws related to public behavior. It also underscores the importance of fostering a culture of respect and understanding, particularly during religious observances.

The Home Affairs Adviser’s call for restraint and compliance with laws reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining public order and ensuring the well-being of citizens. His remarks also serve as a reminder of the importance of collective efforts in addressing social challenges and promoting harmony.

As the holy month of Ramadan progresses, the Home Affairs Adviser’s message resonates with citizens and businesses alike. His appeal for compliance with laws and consideration for others underscores the values of respect and responsibility that are central to the spirit of Ramadan.

In conclusion, the Home Affairs Adviser’s remarks highlight the importance of adhering to laws, maintaining social harmony, and ensuring affordability during Ramadan. His message serves as a timely reminder for citizens and businesses to uphold these values and contribute to a peaceful and respectful society.