Reinforce tobacco control act to save young generation: Speakers

Speakers at a programme stressed the necessity for strengthening and reinforcing the Tobacco Control Act immediately to save the young generation.

The speakers came up with the remarks in a press conference titled “Reinforcing Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act” organised by Unnayan Shamannay, a research and advocacy organisation, at the National Press Club on Monday.

The event was organised in the support of the Health and Family Welfare Ministry as it has attempted to reinforce the draft amendment of the “Tobacco Control Act” to pledge a “tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040”. The speakers said the attempt to reinforce the amendment process reflects the government’s respect towards ensuring public interest in a greater way, said a press release.

Since tobacco is responsible for taking the lives of around 400 people each day in the country, they pleaded with the relevant people to finalise the amendment quickly.

They suggested abolishing Designated Smoking Areas (DSA) and forbidding single-stick cigarette selling will protect people from passive smoking as well as discourage youngsters to refrain from smoking, said a release.

Bangladesh Bank Former Governor Dr Atiur Rahman who chaired the press conference said that The opportunists are spreading propaganda that if the amendment of the Tobacco Control Act is finalised, there may be a loss of jobs and impose a negative impact on the macroeconomy.”