Every year, over 42,000 crore taka is spent on medical treatment for diseases caused by tobacco use. A stricter tobacco control law could significantly reduce this health expenditure. High taxation and stronger enforcement of tobacco control measures are essential. Key steps include banning smoking in public places and transport, and eliminating tobacco product advertisements, particularly on social media and entertainment platforms, to significantly reduce adolscent and youth exposure.
Today, Friday (January 31, 2025), at 8:00 AM, a walkathon titled “Tobacco Control Law Reduces Disease and Death” was held in front of the National Shaheed Minar. Organized jointly by the Bangladesh Network for Tobacco Tax Policy (BNTTP) and Madok Draba O Nesha Nirodh Sangstha (MANAS), the walkathon aimed to encourage regular walking and a smoke-free lifestyle for better health.
The walkathon commenced at the National Shaheed Minar, passed through Shahbagh, and concluded at the Antachal Gate of Ramna Park (adjacent to the National Tennis Complex). Approximately 100 students, parents, teachers from Gandaria High School, and tobacco control activists participated. The program was inaugurated by heroic freedom fighter Professor Dr. Arupratan Choudhury, the founder president of MANAS. Umme Jannat, Project Coordinator of MANAS, conducted the inaugural part, which included speeches by Sathi Akhter, sports teacher from Gandaria High School, and scout representatives.
Speakers highlighted that the death rate from tobacco-related diseases is rising in Bangladesh. To combat this, it is crucial to strengthen the tobacco control law, promote healthy lifestyle habits such as regular walking, and encourage the consumption of vegetables. They emphasized the need for specific taxes on tobacco products, ensuring the sale of cigarettes at maximum retail price (MRP), and enforcing penalties for multinational tobacco companies that violate the law. Speakers also pointed out that tobacco companies are targeting the youth by promoting tobacco through popular actors in entertainment programs, films, dramas, and web series. Such activities aim to undermine the government’s efforts to build a healthier nation. Strict actions must be taken against these companies to protect public health.
The closing part featured speeches by Helal Ahmed, General Secretary of the Anti-Drug Organization Pratyasha, Syed Mahbubul Alam Tahin, Policy Analyst, Hamidul Islam Hillol, Secretariat Manager of BNTTP, and Humaira Sultana, Communication Manager of CTFK. The event was co-organized by representatives from Aid Foundation, ARK Foundation, Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance (BATA), Development Activities of Society (DAS), Grambangla Unnayan Committee, National Tuberculosis Control Organization (NATB), Pratyasha Anti-Drug Organization, Tobacco Control and Research Cell (TCRC), and WBB Trust.
