To achieving Tobacco-free Bangladesh it’s necessary to prevent Interference of Tobacco Industry
Although there are many progress in the health sector in Bangladesh, but death of non-communicable diseases (heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes) has become a big challenge for us. Currently, 67% of total deaths are due to non-communicable diseases. In order to reduce the use of tobacco, the government needs to focus on both the demand and supply. To achieve the target of tobacco-free country, it is necessary to prevent the intervention of tobacco companies at the present time. At 9 October, on the occasion of National tobacco free Day, at the VIP lounge of the National Press Club at 11 A.M., Speakers expressed the views at a meeting of “urgent measures to stop the intervention of tobacco companies to achieve the goal of tobacco-free Bangladesh”.
Abu Naser Khan, advisor of Anti-Tobacco Alliance Bangladesh, under his presidency, Film personality Chhakku Ahmed, senior journalist Nikhil Bhadra, president of Green Mind Society Amir Hassan, general secretary of the Protasha Anti-drug Association Helal Ahmed, expresses their views. The meeting was organized by Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance’s official secretary Syeda Anonya Rahman. Project officer of WBB Trust Sharmin Akhter presents the article.
Abu Naser Khan said that the companies are behaving desperately in aggression. The government will now take strict measures to protect public health. By the 2040s no concessions can be given to the tobacco companies to implement the commitment to build a tobacco-free country. So stop tobacco cultivation in the mountains, harsh punishment of companies in tax evasion, taking action to stop all types of advertisements directly and indirectly, law enforcement and implementation of law enforcement agencies to stop interference.
Chattaku Ahmed said the film is one of the most popular media. Having worked through this for a long time, I have many responsibilities towards the country and the audience. And so in the future I will not have any smoking scenes in my movie.
Helal Ahmed said, tobacco companies are continuing their advertisement by avoiding law in different ways. Now, drama, movie is using especially to attract the youth. Smoking is shown repeatedly in the scene of drama, movies. Besides, in the film, posters, banners, billboards are using photos containing smoking scenes. The request to the people who are involved in the movie, drama, you do not fall into the company’s trap. You have social responsibility. So, avoids smoking scenes in the movie, drama.
Nikhil Bhadra said, the government is working to control tobacco. But the government has partnership with these tobacco companies. Because of this partnership, different high officials of the government are directly involved in protecting the interests of tobacco companies. These officials of government are misusing the power to promote tobacco business. The implementation of Tobacco Control Ac also obstructs. So immediately the Government has to cancel their partnership with these tobacco companies.
Amir Hasan said, we know the harmful aspects of tobacco. But it cannot be prevented by knowing or being aware only. Companies are launching aggressive campaigns to attract young people in Bangladesh. To prevent their aggression, the government should be strict in implementing tobacco control laws.
In front of the National Press Club, a human chain was organized on behalf of Bangladesh anti-tobacco alliance on the occasion of the National Tobacco Day. In the human chain and opinion exchange meeting, Bangladesh Girl Guides Association, Eklab, Ork Foundation, Bureau of Economic and Research, YPSA, Aid Foundation, Nateb, Tabinaj, TCRC, Institute of Welcoming, Human Development Organization, BCCP, Women Progress Organization, Expectations, Environmental Protection Movement (Poba), Himu Transport, Supra, Women Party, Nabnita Women Welfare Association, Women to Live, Aritasa Bangladesh, aiaradi, preserve civil rights forum, social shelters, piiubi, media, Village Development Committee Bengali, good-morning, eco Society, Dhaka World School, among others are presents there.