DHAKA, Jan 31, 2023 (BSS) - Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Shamsul Haque Tuku today underscored the need for taking multifaceted measures to make Bangladesh free from smoking and drugs.

"It is necessary to take multifaceted measures against smoking aiming to make Bangladesh free from smoking and drugs," he said.

He said these as the chief guest while addressing a view exchanging meeting titled 'Tobacco Control Law and Contemporary Thoughts' organized by 'Unnayan Shamannay' at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro here, a press release said.

The deputy speaker also emphasized on strengthening the existing laws against people involved in smoking and drugs.

He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced to make the country free from smoking and drug by 2041. 

To implement her decision, he urged all concerned from the grassroots' level to work together for raising public awareness to this end. 

"To transform Bangladesh into a digital and smart country, we need to create an atmosphere which is free from smoking and drug. We also have to create healthy and functional human resource in this regard," he added.

Lawmakers Abdul Aziz, Mohammad Shahiduzzaman, Pran Gopal Dutta and Shamsun Nahar were also present, among others, on the occasion.

Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr Atiur Rahman presented an article there.