RAJSHAHI, June 8, 2022 (BSS) - Administrative officials and health experts at 
a participatory discussion here observed that community role is of essence to 
build tobacco-free society, urging all to come forward and work together to 
attain the cherished goal.

Utmost emphasis should be given on strengthening and mainstreaming the 
sustainable implementation of Tobacco Control Law through full-length 
implementation of all the existing rules and regulations and support to 
increase tobacco tax. 

The discussants made the observation while addressing the divisional level 
anti-tobacco seminar organized under the smoking and tobacco products control 
programme here today.

The National Tobacco Control Cell (NTTC) under the ministry of health 
organized the seminar at the conference hall of the divisional commissioner 
office attended by officials of the line departments and members of the civil 
society.

Additional Secretary to the Health Ministry Zebunnessa Begum and NTCC 
Coordinator Hossain Ali Khandaker addressed the seminar as chief and special 
guests, while Commissioner of Rajshahi division GSM Zafarullah was in the 
chair.

Professor Sakil Ahmed from Dhaka Medical College illustrated the bad effects 
of tobacco uses during his keynote presentation. 

He 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. 

Use of tobacco items causes many non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart 
disease, stroke, diabetes, tuberculosis and chronic respiratory disorder.

Professor Sakil called for a proper enforcement of the revised tobacco 
control law to free the public health from various non-contagious diseases 
caused by tobacco use.
 
He said frequent and indiscriminate smoking in public places affects the non-
smokers more than that of the direct smokers.

Zebunnessa Begum said the LG guideline related to tobacco control should be 
implemented effectively.

All the shops who are selling tobacco products within 100 yards of the 
educational institutions must be removed. Uses of tobacco products should be 
controlled hundred percent through bringing the shops selling tobacco 
products under licensing.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Abdul Baten and Divisional Director of 
Health Dr Habibul Ahsan Talukder were the panel discussants.