RAJSHAHI, June 14, 2023 (BSS) - Massive awareness among the public in general can be the crucial means of building a tobacco free society.

Simultaneously, stringent enforcement of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act and related policies is important for saving public health from various non-communicable diseases caused by both active and passive smoking.

Administrative officials and experts came up with the observations while addressing a daylong training workshop for the district task force committee members and designated officers related to tobacco control law.
 
District administration organized the workshop at circuit house conference hall supported by the Health Service Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Additional Secretary to the Health Service Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Saidur Rahman addressed the workshop as chief guest, while Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ahmed was in the chair.

Deputy Secretary of the health service division Sadiqul Islam, Deputy Director of the Divisional Directorate of Health Dr Anwarul Kabir, Civil Surgeon Dr Abu Sayeed Muhammd Faruque, Deputy Director of Department of Drugs Control Alamgir Hossain and District Children Affairs Officer Monzur Kader also spoke on the occasion.

Additional District Magistrate Sabiha Sultana gave an overview of the demerits of smoking and other smokeless tobacco uses during her keynote presentation.
 
Additional Secretary Saidur Rahman expressed concern that tobacco companies are expanding their market through promotional activities in the name of corporate social responsibilities which must be resisted. 
 
Imposing restrictions on smoking in public places and transports is very important for protecting many non-smokers from various non-communicable diseases caused by smoking. 
 
In his remarks, Dr Anwarul Kabir said use of tobacco items causes many non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, tuberculosis and chronic respiratory disorder.
 
He called for proper enforcement of the revised tobacco control law to free the public health from various non-contagious diseases caused by tobacco use.
 
Dr Kabir also said frequent and indiscriminate smoking in public places affects the non-smokers more than that of the direct smokers.