2024-03-01 00:00:55
To build a tobacco-free smart Bangladesh and to implement Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s announcement, everyone must work together. In addition, to save the youth, experts have suggested that e-cigarettes and smoking zones should be closed by amending the Tobacco Control Act.
They said these things at the exchange meeting titled ‘To be done to create a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040’ announced by the Prime Minister at the Ahchania Mission Auditorium in Dhanmondi in the capital on Thursday (February 29).
In the speech of the chief guest, Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Aziz said that the use of e-cigarettes among young people is increasing at an alarming rate. People are also exposed to indirect smoke through smoking zones. As a result, 1,61,000 people die annually in the country. E-cigarettes and smoking zones should be closed by amending the law.
In his welcome speech, Director of Health and WASH Sector Iqbal Masood said that if the draft that the Ministry of Health has prepared for further amendments to the Tobacco Control Act is passed, the law in the country will be consistent and stronger with the FCTC. As a result, the formation of tobacco-free Bangladesh announced by the Prime Minister will be accelerated by 2040. Tobacco control project coordinator Shariful Islam presented the main article in the meeting.
South Asian regional director of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids was present as a speaker in the event. Mahin Malik, Lead Policy Advisor of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Bangladesh. Mostafizur Rahman.
Mostafizur Rahman said, tobacco companies always use various tactics to harm the public health of the country. At present they are planning to import e-cigarettes into the country. Various strategies are being used to promote e-cigarettes among young people. Tobacco companies must stop this inaction. All types of vaping products, including e-cigarettes, must be banned to save birds. Besides, the tobacco control laws should be strengthened.