CHATTOGRAM, May 26, 2019 (BSS) – Anti-tobacco campaigners today called for raising awareness among teachers, guardians and students for stopping tobacco consumption.
Rampant selling of different local and foreign brands cigarette to nearby educational institutions is increasing tobacco consumption among students, they told a press conference at Chattogram Press Club while releasing a survey report on tobacco consumption.
A non-government organization in cooperation with Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) conducted the survey on 40 selected educational institutions to find out scenario of tobacco consumption among the students.
According to the survey report, students at junior level smoke cigarette as they can buy single sticker of cigarette at 98 percent sale centre saving money from tiffin. Alongside selling single sticker, tobacco companies are offering incentives, gifts and reduction of price to attract young learners.
Tobacco products are being displayed at sale points, which are very close to students, the report said, adding that the cigarettes are being sold at 33 percent sale points beside shops of commodities.
According to a study in 2004 conducted by WHO, each year tobacco kills six million people worldwide and the death toll is likely to reach eight million a year if the current trend continues.
In Bangladesh, at least 57 thousand people die each year from eight tobacco related diseases. The rate of tobacco use in Bangladesh is one of the highest in the world. More than 43 percent of the adult population use tobacco in any form.
The anti-tobacco campaigners called upon the government to enforce the anti-tobacco law strictly to stop all forms of promotional campaign on tobacco and tobacco products aiming to protect the people from its harmful effects.