Comprehensive efforts to build tobacco-free Bangladesh stressed

Comprehensive efforts of all concerned along with creating social awareness among people could ensure strict enforcement of the tobacco control laws in building a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040 next, reports BSS.

The opinion came at an advocacy meeting jointly organised by the district administration and Association for Community Development (ACD) at conference room of the Deputy Commissioner here on Sunday.

The Bloomberg Philanthropies and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) extended assistance in arranging the meeting on larger enforcement and implementation of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act and related policies.

Cabinet Division Additional Secretary Nasima Begum attended the meeting as the chief guest with Acting Deputy Commissioner Sultana Pervin in the chair.

Grants Manager (Bangladesh) of CTFK Dr Mahfuzur Rahman and Chief Executive Officer of Savar Municipality Sarafuddin Ahmed Chowdhury took part in the meeting as main resource persons.

The Additional Deputy Commissioners, Upazila Nirbahi Officers, public representatives, heads of government departments, members of law enforcement agencies, civil society members, professionals and journalists participated in the meeting.

The chief guest called for creating public awareness against consumption of tobacco products and taking comprehensive efforts in stopping violation of the tobacco control laws through conducting more mobile courts to save thousands of human lives.

She suggested for incorporating curriculum on health hazards of tobacco and drugs at the school level and maintaining smoking-free environment at all public places in building a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040 as envisioned by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Project Coordinator of ACD Ehsanul Amin Emon delivered presentation narrating slow pace of conducting mobile courts against violation of the tobacco control laws, health hazards of smoking in public places and consuming nonsmoking tobacco products.

The resource persons discussed about health hazards being caused from using smoking and non-smoking tobacco products, tactful strategies and influence of the tobacco companies and forwarded suggestions for proper enforcement of the tobacco control laws.

The speakers said tobacco companies had been changing strategies to inspire farmers in tobacco cultivation offering lucrative incentives and tactfully conducting advertisement to increase sales of their tobacco products violating the tobacco control laws.