DHAKA, Oct 26, 2024 (BSS) - Experts at a view-exchange meeting today stressed the need of strengthening the tobacco control law along with raising tax and prices of tobacco products to protect the country's youth as they comprise nearly 48 percent of the total population.

The meeting was held at Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) office in Dhanmondi here, said a press release. 

Md. Akhteruzzaman, Director General (Joint Secretary) of the National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC), spoke as guest speaker with Iqbal Masud, Director of Health and WASH Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission in the chair.

Akhtaruzzaman said that youth have a vital role to play in creating a tobacco-free Bangladesh. He urged them to actively voice their support for stronger tobacco control legislation.

Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Chowdhury, Head of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation, Md. Abdus Salam Miah, Programs Manager at Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Bangladesh (CTFK), Humaira Sultana, Communications Manager at CTFK, and Marjana Muntaha, Coordinator of Dhaka Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing, took part at the discussion. 

The discussion also highlighted health hazards of tobacco, deceptive tactics employed by tobacco companies, policy advocacy, and communication strategies.

According to the World Health Organization, tobacco-related illnesses claim 442 lives daily in Bangladesh. 

To curb this trend, the speakers emphasized that youth must amplify their voices for stronger tobacco control laws and increased taxes on tobacco products.