DHAKA, Nov 09, 2024 (BSS) - 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.

In the discussion, DROP placed a six-point recommendations-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 adderessed  it as chief guest while Lead Policy Advisor Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Spokesperson Anti-Discrimination Movement Umama Fatema and its coordinator Abdul Kader addressed at special guest on the occasion, chaired by DUJA president Al Sadi Bhuiyan,
They discussed the progress of the finalization of draft amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, which was submitted to the Cabinet in September 2023.

Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, the chief guest, emphasized the need for collective efforts to eliminate tobacco usage highlighting its harmful effects on health, environment and economy.

‘The tobacco industry provides no significant social benefit’, said Prof Mamun.

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, conducted by DUJA General Secretary Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi.