Photo: Courtesy
Amendment and implementation of tobacco control laws are essential to prevent non-communicable diseases and premature deaths and to ensure health sector development.
This opinion was expressed by the speakers in a discussion meeting titled "Enforcement and reality of tobacco control law in generating tobacco-free Bangladesh" organized by Madak Darbo O Nesha Nirodh Sangstha -MANAS at Nasrul Hamid Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity on Tuesday morning (October 31).
Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University and Chairman of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique was present as chief guest and Jatiya Press Club General Secretary and editor Bhorer Kagoj Shyamal Dutta was present as special guest. Consultant of Vital Strategies Md. Fahimul Islam and President of Dhaka Reporters Unity Mursalin Nomani present as honored guests. MANAS founder president heroic freedom fighter Prof. Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury presided over the meeting and presented the key presentation.
Prof. Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury said in his presentation that tobacco consumption is one of the causes of various non-communicable diseases. Which is increasing the burden on the health sector.
He also said that building a tobacco-free Bangladesh needs the current tobacco control law amendment to highlight various including the closure of the provision of 'designated places for smoking' in public places and public transport, banning the import, marketing, and use of E-cigarettes, vape, etc.
AAMS Arefin Siddique said smoking and tobacco use is one of the major reasons behind the availability of drugs in the country. Therefore, multi-dimensional measures should be taken to control tobacco including strengthening and implementing laws, increasing taxes, and banning CSR. Everyone needs to participate in building and implementing tobacco-free Bangladesh. The media has to take responsibility to present the truth. The real truth of tobacco and smoking should be highlighted in the media and people should be made aware. They will be influenced and able to make decisions.
Shyamal Dutt said that tobacco is being gradually banned in developed countries. Tobacco trade is increasing in developing countries like Bangladesh. Many lawmakers in the country are involved with and lobby the tobacco business. As a result, tobacco control is not at the desired level. Tobacco control requires strong political commitment. At the same time, he called upon the media to play a role.
Md. Fahimul Islam said that besides public awareness in tobacco control, strengthening of legal framework and steps to implement it are necessary. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken initiatives in this regard. The country will be tobacco-free with everyone's cooperation.
Mursalin Nomani said that the ban on selling tobacco products to those under 18 years of age needs to be effectively implemented.
Besides, action should be taken to stop smoking scenes in dramas and movies. The meeting was moderated by Umme Jannat, project coordinator of MANAS, and the representatives of Aid Foundation, Economic Research Bureau of Dhaka University, DAS and various organizations and media representatives were present in the meeting.
Messenger/Disha
