Thousands of students take oath to create a tobacco-free Bangladesh

Thousands of students on Tuesday have taken an oath to achieve a tobacco-free Bangladesh, marking the World No-Tobacco Day 2022.

The oath-taking ceremony took place after holding a discussion titled “Tobacco: A threat to the environment,” organized by the Bangladesh Parliamentary Forum for Health and Wellbeing, at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium in Dhaka.

Following the oath, the students also demanded to ensure a cent per cent smoke-free environment by banning restaurant smoking zone.

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nesa Indira was the chief guest of the discussion meeting, which was attended by thousands of students from different schools, colleges, girl guides and scouts, a press release said.

"In our country, women consume more smokeless tobacco products than men. Not only that, the rate of smoking is also increasing among young women. Our women and children are being victimised second-hand smoking in various public places and public transport, such as buses, launches and trains, homes and restaurants,” Fazilatun Nesa Indira said.

Distinguished academician and writer Prof Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, National University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mashiur Rahman and World Health Organization (WHO) Bangladesh Representative Dr Vardhan Jang Rana were present as special guest.

“There is nothing good in smoking. It is very painful thing. So you should never smoke or use any other tobacco products. The participation of students in the Tobacco-Free Bangladesh Movement is inspiring me. I think it will be possible to make Bangladesh tobacco free with this,” Zafar Iqbal said.

Bangladesh Parliamentary Forum for Health and Wellbeing Chairman Prof Md Habibe Millat MP presided over the discussion, which was conducted by Director of Shastho Shurokkha Foundation Rafiqul Islam.

Officials from various ministries, representatives of anti-tobacco organizations, teachers from various educational institutions, professors, representatives of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Shastho Shurokkha Foundation took part.