Community role vital to build tobacco-free society

Administrative officials and health experts at a participatory discussion here observed that community role is of essence to  build tobacco-free society, urging all to come forward and work together to attain the cherished goal.

Utmost emphasis should be given on strengthening and mainstreaming the sustainable implementation of Tobacco Control Law through full-length  implementation of all the existing rules and regulations and support to increase tobacco tax. 

The discussants made the observation while addressing the divisional level anti-tobacco seminar organized under the smoking and tobacco products control programme here today.

The National Tobacco Control Cell (NTTC) under the ministry of health organized the seminar at the conference hall of the divisional commissioner  office attended by officials of the line departments and members of the civil society.

Additional Secretary to the Health Ministry Zebunnessa Begum and NTCC Coordinator Hossain Ali Khandaker addressed the seminar as chief and special  guests, while Commissioner of Rajshahi division GSM Zafarullah was in the chair.

Professor Sakil Ahmed from Dhaka Medical College illustrated the bad effects of tobacco uses during his keynote presentation. 

He expressed concern that tobacco companies are expanding their market through promotional activities in the name of corporate social  responsibilities which must be resisted. 

Imposing restrictions on smoking in public places and transports is very important for protecting many non-smokers from various non-communicable  diseases caused by smoking. 

Use of tobacco items causes many non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, tuberculosis and chronic respiratory disorder.

Professor Sakil called for a proper enforcement of the revised tobacco control law to free the public health from various non-contagious diseases  caused by tobacco use.

He said frequent and indiscriminate smoking in public places affects the non-smokers more than that of the direct smokers.

Zebunnessa Begum said the LG guideline related to tobacco control should be implemented effectively.

All the shops who are selling tobacco products within 100 yards of the educational institutions must be removed. Uses of tobacco products should be  controlled hundred percent through bringing the shops selling tobacco products under licensing.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Abdul Baten and Divisional Director of Health Dr Habibul Ahsan Talukder were the panel discussants, reports BSS.