Dhaka:A meeting was held at Dhaka University on Tuesday to explore strategies aimed at safeguarding public health from the detrimental effects of tobacco and ensuring a tobacco-free environment on campus.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the discussion, titled 'Dhaka University's Legal Obligations to Ensure a Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Campus and the Role of DUJA,' was organized jointly by the Dhaka University Journalists' Association (DUJA) and the Development Organization of the Rural Poor (DORP) at the Arts Building. The meeting was chaired by DUJA President Manjur Hossain Mahi and featured Dhaka University's Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Admin) Prof Dr. Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane as the chief guest, with Faculty of Arts Dean Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Sarker as a special guest.
Prof Alfasane highlighted the necessity of effective initiatives to shield young people from tobacco's harmful effects, welcoming the university's involvement in raising awareness against tobacco use. He stressed the importance of monitoring to prevent tobacco sales at residential halls and on-campus shops, as well as reviewing any university permissions related to these sales.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor further advocated for the display of anti-tobacco materials across the campus to enhance student awareness. He emphasized the need for a coordinated effort involving the university administration, students, teachers, journalists, and other relevant organizations to reduce tobacco use among young people. He assured support from the university administration for practical proposals from the organizers.
The meeting included contributions from DORP Founder and CEO AHM Noman, DUJA General Secretary Liton Islam, and DORP Program Coordinator Jeba Afroz, who presented the keynote paper. Other speakers included Md Abdus Salam Mia, Program Manager of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) Bangladesh, and Md Azhar Ali Talukder, DORP adviser and retired secretary.
Discussions covered the health risks of tobacco, existing tobacco-control laws, and the role of media in tobacco control. Speakers stressed the need for effective enforcement of laws alongside regular awareness programs to maintain a tobacco-free educational environment.