ULAB Students Advocate Swift Passage of Tobacco Control Act Amendments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2023: Students of the University of Liberal Arts (ULAB) are pressing for the immediate passage of proposed amendments to the existing Tobacco Control Act during the current Parliament session. This call was made at an orientation organized by Nari Maitree on Thursday, September 21, focusing on the urgency of swift passage of the proposed amendments to achieve the goal of a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040, as declared by the Prime Minister. Ulab Radio Campbuzz stands in full support alongside Nari Maitree in this critical advocacy.
The event featured esteemed guests, including ULAB Registrar Lt. Colonel Md. Foyzul Islam (Retd.) as the chief guest and special negotiator. Also present were Md. Abdus Salam Mia, Programs Officer, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK), Bangladesh; Humaira Sultana, Communications Manager, CTFK; Ataur Rahman, Advocacy Manager, CTFK; and Shamma Rushafi Abantee, Digital Creator, Shamma Shadows, as special guest.
Shaheen Akter Dolly, Executive Director of Nari Maitree, presided over the event and emphasized the disproportionate impact of smokeless tobacco on women in Bangladesh. She stressed the need for a speedy passage of the proposed amendment to the Tobacco Control Act to safeguard women’s health, citing studies that highlight the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use among women and its associated health risks.
Khaled bin Yousuf presented key statistics, showcasing Bangladesh’s leading position in South Asia concerning tobacco consumption. He highlighted the dire consequences of tobacco use, including the exposure of millions to secondhand smoke and the significant number of annual deaths attributed to tobacco-related diseases. To address these challenges, he recommended aligning the Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products (Control) Act, 2005 (amended in 2013), with global standards through comprehensive amendments.
The recommendations put forward include the prohibition of ‘designated smoking areas’ in all public places and public transport, banning the display of tobacco products at sales outlets, a total ban on corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs by tobacco companies, and increasing pictorial health warnings on tobacco product packets to 90 percent. Additionally, the proposals call for a ban on the retail sale of bidi-cigarettes, unwrapped and open smokeless tobacco products, and a complete prohibition of all emerging tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Md. Abdus Salam Miah, Programs Manager of CTFK said the Department of Health Services has drafted the proposed draft to further amend the existing Smoking and Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005, (amended 2013), which aims to protect non-smokers from exposure to second-hand smoke. To warn women, children and young people and anyone who is newly addicted to smoking. If this law is passed, the number of tobacco users in the country will decrease and SGD targets will be met. Not only that, it will also be possible to reduce the 442 people who die every day due to tobacco. Our demand is to pass the law in this parliament to save the future young generation.

Shamma Rushfi Avanti highlighted the growing addiction to emerging tobacco products, particularly among youth, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive ban on these products, including e-cigarettes.
Ulab Registrar Lt. Col. Md. Faizul Islam (Retd.) commended Nari Maitree’s initiative and urged the swift passage of all proposed amendments to the Tobacco Control Act during the current parliamentary session. He also stressed the importance of family education in preventing tobacco addiction.
The collective appeal from ULAB students and their allies underscores the critical need for legislative action to build a tobacco-free Bangladesh and save lives. The University of Liberal Arts (ULAB) and Nari Maitree jointly advocate for a healthier, tobacco-free nation.
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