Anti-tobacco campaigners have staged a demonstration demanding punishment of cigarette companies in Bangladesh as the companies are applying various tactics to encourage youths and teenagers to tobacco use.
The anti-tobacco campaigners staged demonstration in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh in Dhaka city on Monday (October 28). Some 50 anti-tobacco organisations jointly arranged the programme.
Speakers of the programme alleged that cigarette companies of the country are resorting to various tricks for the sake of profits. While the government of the country is working to reduce tobacco use to protect public health, the tobacco companies at the time continue to violate the law and encourage teenagers, young and youths to smoking. The cigarette companies should be punished, they demanded. Helal Ahmed, acting coordinator of Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance (BATA); presided over the protest rally, while Syeda Ananya Rahman, office secretary of BATA and head of program of WBB Trust; moderated the programme.
It was addressed, among others, by Aminul Islam Sujon, technical consultant at Vital Strategies; Aminul Islam Bakul, tead leader of DAS; Seema Das Shimu, director of Anti-Tobacco Women’s Alliance; Shagufta Sultana, project director of Aid Foundation; Shaheen Ul Alam, head of program of Unnoyon Somonya; Bazlur Rahman, an associate professor of Dhaka International University; and Shariful Islam, project coordinator of Dhaka Ahsania Mission.
The speakers said that 70 per cent of medical expenses in the country are spent by people from their own pockets. Almost four lakh people in the country are becoming poor every year due to the treatment of various diseases related to tobacco use. The deadly non-communicable diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes are increasing in the country. One of the main reasons is tobacco use.
The speakers also said that 1 lakh 61 thousand people are dying every year due to tobacco related diseases in the country, while more than 15 lakh people are getting sick. In such a situation, smoking and vaping must be controlled to reduce disease and eath.
The anti-tobacco activists alleged that the tobacco companies violate tobacco control law by advertising at the point of sale; setting up of smoking stalls or shops and advertising booths around schools and other educational institutions.
The anti-tobacco activists also alleged that tobacco companies recklessly promote e-cigarette in Bangladesh to expand their business and gain profits by getting teenagers and young adults addicted to the harmful product.
