2024-07-06 16:56:54
The Anti-Tobacco Mothers’ Forum has demanded the speedy passage of amendments to the Tobacco Control Act to ensure good health of mothers and children. On Thursday (July 4), they made this demand at a meeting on the formation of ‘Anti-Tobacco Mothers’ Forum’ organized by Bangladesh Nari Maitri, Rajdhani Krishibid Institute.
Shireen Naeem Poonam, former MP and former member of Anti-Tobacco Parliamentary Women’s Forum, convened the Anti-Tobacco Mothers’ Forum consisting of 15 eminent mothers under the chairmanship of Shaheen Akhtar Dolly, Executive Director of Nari Maitri. Former MP Nargis Rahman was the co-convener.
Mostafizur Rahman, Lead Policy Advisor, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Bangladesh and former Chairman, BCIC, Bangladesh was present as the guest of honour. Mr. Md. Abdus Salam Mia, Program Manager, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Bangladesh was present as a special speaker in the event.
Shaheen Akhtar Doli, executive director of Nari Maitri, said that tobacco is extremely harmful to women’s health. They are exposed to indirect smoke without smoking. He also urged the mothers’ forum to take appropriate steps to cancel public places, public transport, restaurants and all designated places for smoking.
Forum convener Shirin Naeem Poonam believes that the members of the forum will play an appropriate role in building a tobacco-free Bangladesh. He said that 442 people die every day due to tobacco. To stop this march of death, this forum will provide unrelenting support and advice for the amendment of the Tobacco Control Act. Also, keep your family smoke-free and talk to other moms about it. The Forum will work to facilitate and lobbied through social media for approval by the Ministry of Health to bring up the amended Act in the Cabinet expeditiously.
Besides, he assured that he will take an active position against the tobacco company’s tactics or obstructing the tobacco control law by making strong demands to the National Board of Revenue and the Ministry of Finance for effective taxation on tobacco products.
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Bangladesh Programs Manager. Abdus Salam Mia said, addiction to tobacco is throwing the youth into a dark world. Children and teenagers are getting addicted to smoking at a young age. Apart from facing terrible physical ailments, they are also suffering mentally.
Mostafizur Rahman said, indirect smoking is very harmful for women. Second-hand smoke causes women to have premature abortions, premature births, low birth weight babies, pregnancy bleeding, excessive bleeding during delivery, and stillbirths.