Dhaka: Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, an adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and Youth and Sports, has issued a call for national awareness and collective action to eradicate tobacco use, aligning with the observance of “World No Tobacco Day.”
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in a message shared on his verified Facebook page, Mahmud emphasized the severe toll of tobacco on public health, stating, “Every year, we have lost 1,61,000 lives to just one toxic habit! Choose the path of awareness and change, not tobacco. May the death hidden behind the strategy not take anyone else away… Quit tobacco today.” He underlined the significant impact of tobacco-related diseases in Bangladesh and stressed that quitting tobacco should be viewed as both a personal and national obligation.
Mahmud further explained, “Quitting tobacco is essential for your own well-being and the welfare of the country. This is our collective responsibility.” On the occasion of “World No Toba
cco Day,” he urged the public to be cautious of the marketing strategies employed by tobacco companies.
“World No Tobacco Day” is observed annually on May 31. It was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987 to raise awareness about the health risks linked to tobacco use and to promote effective policies aimed at reducing its consumption.