Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Dec 28, 2025 (BSS)- Speakers at a meeting here today unanimously said integrated efforts of all the government, non-government and volunteer organisations concerned can be the crucial means of establishing tobacco-free society for sound public health.

They also mentioned community role is of essence to build tobacco-free Rajshahi city, urging all to come forward and work together to attain the cherished goal.

The Lady's Organisation for Social Welfare (LOFS) organised the meeting at its office conference hall supported by Bangladesh Tamak Birodhi Jote and Work for a Better Bangladesh.

With LOFS Executive Director Shahnaz Parveen in the chair, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Ziaul Abedeen from Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and schoolteachers Sekendar Hossain and Razendra Nath Sarker.
 
The discussants said utmost emphasis should be given on strengthening and mainstreaming the sustainable implementation of Tobacco Control Law through community participation.

Shahnaz Parveen expressed concern that tobacco companies are expanding their market through promotional activities in the name of corporate social responsibilities which must be resisted.
 
Imposing restrictions on smoking in public places and transports is very important for protecting many non-smokers from various non-communicable diseases caused by smoking.
 
Use of tobacco items causes many non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, tuberculosis and chronic respiratory disorder.
 
Shahnaz Parveen called for a proper enforcement of the revised tobacco control law to free the public health from various non-contagious diseases caused by tobacco use.
 
She said frequent and indiscriminate smoking in public places affects the non-smokers more than that of the direct smokers.