Dhaka: A discussion titled ‘The urgency to strengthen tobacco control laws to achieve a tobacco free Bangladesh’ was held today on Dhaka University (DU) campus. The event was jointly organized by the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) and the Development Organization of the Rural Poor (DORP) at the Shaheed Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury Auditorium of the university’s arts faculty.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, DROP placed a six-point recommendation, which includes eliminating designated smoking areas, banning the display of tobacco products, restricting corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities by tobacco companies, stopping the retail and open sale of tobacco products, and increasing the size of pictorial health warnings from 50 percent to 90 percent.
Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed addressed the event as the chief guest. Lead Policy Advisor Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Spokesperson Anti-Discrimination Movement Umama
Fatema, and its coordinator Abdul Kader addressed as special guests on the occasion, which was chaired by DUJA president Al Sadi Bhuiyan. They discussed the progress of the finalization of the draft amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, which was submitted to the Cabinet in September 2023.
Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed emphasized the need for collective efforts to eliminate tobacco usage, highlighting its harmful effects on health, environment, and economy. He stated that the tobacco industry provides no significant social benefit.
Umama Fatema pointed out that simply enforcing laws may not be enough and suggested replacing the tobacco industry with sustainable alternatives and providing alternative livelihoods for those dependent on it.
Coordinator Abdul Kader stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of tobacco use, such as peer pressure, emotional distress, and a lack of social and moral values. Kader urged stakeholders to work collectively to tackle these underlying issues.
DORP Advisor Md. Azhar
Ali Talukder and its Deputy Executive Director Mohammad Zobair Hasan also addressed the discussion, which was conducted by DUJA General Secretary Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi.