Dhaka: Students from eight universities on Saturday called for the swift formulation and implementation of Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) regulations on packaged foods to help consumers identify excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
According to United News of Bangladesh, the call was made during the 'Youth Voice for Front-of-Pack Labelling Debate Festival 2026', organized jointly by the Health and Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and the Dhaka University Debating Society at the Faculty of Business Studies auditorium of Dhaka University. Students from Jahangirnagar University, Jagannath University, Bangladesh University of Professionals, BRAC University, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, United International University, and Dhaka College participated in the debate.
The participants discussed the health risks associated with excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, the consumers' right to information, the importance of healthy food choices, NCD prevention, and the role of youth in shaping food policy. Speakers at the event emphasized that an effective FOPL system would ensure consumers' right to information, encourage food producers to create healthier products, and contribute to a healthier food environment.
They highlighted the potential of young people to play a leading role in generating public awareness, increasing public demand, and supporting public health initiatives, specifically in NCD prevention and the swift formulation of FOPL regulations. Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Al-Mojaddedi Alfasani noted that university students could significantly contribute to raising evidence-based public awareness.
BSTI Director General Kazi Imdadul Hoque underscored the importance of providing consumers with appropriate information alongside ensuring food quality and safety. He stressed that consumers should have access to information on foods high in salt, sugar, and fat to make informed choices. The programme also saw attendance from BFSA officials Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Prof Dr Mohammad Shoeb, Global Health Advocacy Incubator Bangladesh Country Lead Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, and Dhaka Ahsania Mission Health and Nutrition Sector Director Iqbal Masud, among others.