RAJSHAHI, Nov 28, 2017 (BSS)- Speakers at a training session here Monday unequivocally called for combating the existing violation of the amended tobacco control law in public transports for the sake of making the public health free from various non-contagious diseases caused by tobacco uses.
They said the number of mobile court should be enhanced both in rural and urban areas including the public transport, growth centers and some public places like railway stations, bus terminals and amusement areas to make those free from smoking.
They were addressing the inaugural session of a two-day training Course titled “Skill Development and Awareness Building for Professional Drivers”. Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) organized the training at its Circle office.
Additional District Magistrate Subrata Paul addressing the session as chief guest with BRTA Deputy Director Md Ashrafuzzaman in the chair. Assistant Director Kamrul Hassan, Vehicle Inspector Abul Kalam Azad and Traffic Inspector of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Iftekharul Islam also spoke.
Subrata Paul viewed the government has amended the law to make it more stringent because of growing tobacco use in the country. The law also bans the selling of cigarettes to those below 18, he also said.
During his keynote presentation, Ehsanul Amin Emon, Project Coordinator of Association for Community Development, said around 57,000 people die and nearly 12 lakh people become disabled every year in the country due to tobacco-related diseases.
Tactical marketing maneuvering by tobacco companies inducing youngsters as new smokers defying and bypassing restrictive law is advancing unabated in Rajshahi, he added.
Gross violation of the Tobacco Control Act continues at the restricted areas including public places threatening public health almost everywhere.
He urged authorities concerned to raise tax on tobacco to curb its widespread use. Pictorial images on cigarette and other non-smoke tobacco product packets should be effective and meaningful for discouraging smoking.
Besides, coordination among the key stakeholders, awareness building and capacity development, law enforcement particularly mobile court operation could be vital strategies for effective implementation of the law, Amin Emon added.