Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today urged the youth to remain vigilant against the tricky tactics of tobacco companies, saying that if young people are aware, these companies will fail to target them.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser emphasized the importance of awareness among youth at a view-exchange meeting on 'The Importance of Strengthening Tobacco Control Laws to Protect the Health of Women, Children and Youth,' held at the Kabi Shamsur Rahman Seminar Room of Bangla Academy. Farida Akhter, serving as the chief guest, stated that no tobacco company would be able to trap young individuals if they remained alert.
The adviser further questioned why tobacco cannot be eliminated when a dangerous disease like fascism has been eradicated. She highlighted the targeting of youth aged 20 to 25 by tobacco companies for long-term profits and expressed criticism over the delay in amending the Tobacco Control Act.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has submitted an amendment proposal to the Cabinet, with high-level committee meetings convened twice. However, Farida Akhter noted that strong lobbying by the tobacco industry is hindering the progress of these amendments.
The meeting also featured speeches from Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Sheikh Momena Moni, President of Bangladesh Cancer Society Prof Dr Golam Mohiuddin Faruk, and Director General of the National Tobacco Control Cell Md Akhtaruz-Zaman. The event was chaired by Nari Maitree Executive Director Shaheen Akhter Dolly.