RAJSHAHI, March 15, 2018 (BSS)- Speakers at a discussion here on Wednesday have called for a proper enforcement of the amended tobacco control law to free the public health from various non-contagious diseases caused by tobacco uses.
They viewed gross violation of the prevailing Tobacco Control Act continues at the restricted areas including public places threatening public health almost everywhere.
Frequent and indiscriminate smoking in the public places and transports affect the non-smokers more than that of the direct smokers.
The observation came at an advocacy meeting titled “Enforcement of Smoking and Tobacco Control Law” held in the conference hall of deputy commissioner (DC).
District Taskforce Committee to Control Smoking and Tobacco Products and Association for Community Development (ACD) jointly organized the programme.
DC SM Abdul Kader addressed the meeting as chief guest with Additional District Magistrate Subrata Paul in the chair.
Additional Deputy Commissioners Sabet Ali and Nasima Khatun and Executive Magistrate Mamnun Ahmed Amik also spoke as guest speakers. In his concept paper presentation, Enhasul Amin Emon, Program Coordinator of ACD, narrated various demerits of smocking and uses of other tobacco products.
He said imposing restriction on smoking in public places and transports is very important for protecting many non-smokers from various chronic diseases caused by smoking.
The discussants said forging a social movement has become an urgent need for ensuring hundred percent smoke-free public places and transports for freeing millions of second hand and passive smoking from various harmful effects.
SM Abdul Kader said the uses of tobacco items cause many non-communicable diseases like cancers, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, tuberculosis and chronic respiratory disease.
He alleged that some of the tobacco companies are expanding their market promotional activities everywhere in the name of corporate social responsibilities, which must be resisted.