The Anti-Tobacco Teachers’ Forum, Mothers’ Forum, and Youth Forum have issued a pressing appeal for the swift passage of proposed amendments to the Tobacco Control Law. During a discussion at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro on Saturday morning, speakers emphasized the urgent need for action to mitigate the devastating impacts of tobacco products and ensure the protection of public health, reads a press release.
Highlighting alarming statistics, Shibani Bhattacharjee, Convener of the Mothers’ Forum, revealed that 38.4 million people in Bangladesh are exposed to secondhand smoke annually, with women and children being the worst affected. “Secondhand smoke increases the risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, heart disease, and cancer among women, while children face asthma, stunted growth, and weakened immunity. Eliminating smoking zones in workplaces, restaurants, and public transport is vital to protect them,” she said.
Dr. Khaleda Islam, Convener of the Teachers’ Forum, expressed concerns about rising tobacco use among youth. She pointed to data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, which shows that 6.9% of adolescents aged 13–15 use tobacco, with boys disproportionately affected. “Tobacco companies are targeting young people with e-cigarettes, which are both harmful and addictive. We need stricter laws to safeguard our youth,” she urged.
Ashrafia Jannat, Convener of the Youth Forum, underscored the dire consequences of inaction. “Over 61,000 children in Bangladesh suffer from diseases caused by secondhand smoke annually. This is a life-saving law, and we demand its immediate passage to secure the future of the next generation,” she said.
Special guest Snigdha Baul, Deputy Director at the Bangladesh Accreditation Council, Ministry of Education, joined other key figures in calling for action. Jannatul Ferdous, a Research Officer from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, also attended the event, adding governmental representation to the conversation.
Key Proposed Amendments
Nasrin Akter, Project Coordinator of Nari Maitree, outlined six critical amendments developed by the Ministry of Health in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC):
- Eliminating designated smoking areas.
- Completely banning tobacco product displays.
- Prohibiting the sale of single-stick cigarettes and loose tobacco.
- Banning tobacco companies' involvement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.
- Expanding pictorial health warnings on tobacco packaging from 50% to 90%.
- Enforcing stricter legal measures to regulate e-cigarettes.
The discussion, attended by young advocates, university students, and representatives from various forums, concluded with a unified plea to the government: pass the proposed amendments now to save lives and protect future generations
