BSS-40 World No Tobacco Day tomorrow

407

ZCZC

BSS-40

TOBACCO-DAY-LEAD

World No Tobacco Day tomorrow

(with messages of President and PM)

DHAKA, May 30, 2020 (BSS) – World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) will be observed
tomorrow in the country as elsewhere in the world highlighting the health and
other risks associated with tobacco uses, and advocating for effective
policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

To mark the day, various anti-tobacco organizations have chalked out
limited programmes maintaining the health rules amid the current coronavirus
situation.

This year’s theme for World No Tobacco Day in Bangladesh is ‘Tamak
Company-er Kutchal Rukhey Daw- Tamak o Nicotine Theke Tarun der Bachaw
(Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco
and nicotine use)’, an official handout said.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate
messages on the eve of the day.

In his message the President said, “Tobacco push the people towards death
gradually. Smoking is called entrance of the drug abuse. Tobacco consumption
is making the young generation burdens for the family and the state”.

Emphasizing on creating awareness to prevent tobacco consumption, Hamid
urged the authorities concerned to execute the laws and regulations properly
to this end.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, reminded formulation of
sustainable development goals, giving importance to control of non-
communicable diseases and effective implementation of UN Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The government amended Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act,
2005 in 2013 and formulated Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control)
Rule, 2015, the premier said, adding that the government has declared that
the country will be free from tobacco by 2040.

The President and the Prime Minister warned all about coronavirus pandemic
and advised all to be careful in this regard.

They wished all the programmes of the day a success.

The national newspapers are expected to publish special supplements while
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels would
air special programmes highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco use.

BSS/PR/SRH/GA/1930 HRS