Dhaka: The government has issued strict instructions to prevent non-communicable diseases and maintain a tobacco-free environment at all educational institutions and related offices across the country. Tobacco use is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in Bangladesh, leading to more than 161,000 deaths annually.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, 35.3 percent of the population aged 15 years and above, which includes 46 percent of men and 25.2 percent of women, use some form of tobacco in Bangladesh. Additionally, nearly 7 percent of students aged between 13 to 15 years are found to be using tobacco, as reported by the Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2013.
The directives, effective immediately, have been sent to all public and private educational institutions and education offices by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE). “These instructions will reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases among the new generation and support building a healthy nation,” stated DSHE director Professor Dr. Khan Mainuddin Al Mahmud Sohel.
The directives strictly prohibit the sale, use, and advertisement of tobacco products within 100 meters of educational institutions. Institutions must declare themselves ‘tobacco-free’ and display necessary signage. Regular tobacco users face major health risks such as hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, while passive smokers are also at risk of serious illnesses.
The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) prohibits any sponsorship or publicity of tobacco industries in educational settings. WHO FCTC regulations also advise limiting the marketing of unhealthy food and sugary drinks, recommending the establishment of ‘healthy canteens’ as alternatives.
Educational institutions are instructed to ensure daily physical exercises for students and provide indoor activities where playgrounds are unavailable. Swimming practice and desk-based stretching exercises have also been emphasized for employees. Additionally, infrastructure designs to accommodate women, children, physically challenged, and elderly people are encouraged, alongside promoting stair usage, cycling, and an active lifestyle.
Institutions are required to submit regular reports on the implementation of these measures to the DSHE’s special education cell.