Dhaka: Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid has emphasized the necessity of amending the Tobacco Control Act. "It is now a proven fact that tobacco is seriously harmful to health. Just as smokers are victims of this harm, so are those around them as direct and indirect smokers," she stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled 'Urgency of passing the proposed draft Tobacco Control Ordinance 2024 to protect youth, women and children' organized by Nari Maitree at the Bishwa Sahitya Kendra. Sharmeen S. Murshid highlighted the importance of safeguarding young people, women, and children, considering them as future leaders and emphasizing the role of women in nurturing these leaders.
Sharmeen further stressed that ensuring the health of children, young people, and women hinges on shielding them from the harmful effects of tobacco. She reiterated the necessity of strengthening the Tobacco Control Act to achieve this goal. The advisor cited BBS data, revealing that 161,000 people die prematurely each year due to tobacco-related issues, with 442 daily fatalities, labeling it as an epidemic.
The seminar also featured participation from notable figures including Sheikh Momena Moni, Additional Secretary of the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shabnam Mostari, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Md. Akhtaruz Zaman, Director General of the National Tobacco Control Cell of the Health Services, and Professor Dr. Golam Mohiuddin Faruk, President of the Bangladesh Cancer Society. Shaheen Akhter Dolly, Executive Director of Nari Maitree, chaired the function.