Experts have emphasised the vital role of the media in combating tobacco use, a major cause of preventable deaths globally.
Speaking at a two-day workshop titled "Media for Tobacco Control in Bangladesh," held at BMA Bhaban on 15-16 January, they highlighted the importance of stringent tobacco control laws and the media's role in exposing the harmful tactics of tobacco companies.
Organised by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA), the event brought together 27 journalists from print, television, and online outlets, reads a press release.
The speakers revealed alarming statistics, including the prevalence of tobacco use among 35.3% of individuals aged 15 and above in Bangladesh. Tobacco-related diseases claim 161,000 lives annually in the country, resulting in significant health and economic losses.
According to a 2019 study by the American Cancer Society, the financial burden of tobacco use, including healthcare costs and productivity losses, amounted to BDT 30,560 crore in FY 2017-18, far exceeding the revenue generated from tobacco, which stood at BDT 22,810 crore.
The workshop also addressed the impediments posed by tobacco to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's draft amendment to the tobacco control law includes critical measures such as eliminating designated smoking areas, banning the display of tobacco packs at points of sale, prohibiting corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities by tobacco companies, and banning the import and sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
Speakers called for the swift passage of the amendment, free from interference by tobacco companies. They also urged the government to overhaul the flawed tobacco taxation system, which has made tobacco products more affordable. Proposed measures include imposing specific supplementary duties and reducing the price tiers for cigarettes from four to one, making tobacco products less accessible.
Notable speakers included Md. Mostafizur Rahman, former chairman of BCIC; Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Chowdhury, Head of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute; Zahirul Alam, Head of News at NTV; Mortuza Haider Liton, Convener of ATMA; Mizan Chowdhury, Co-convener of ATMA, and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA.
The event concluded with a call for greater media engagement in raising awareness and supporting policy reforms to curb tobacco consumption in Bangladesh.
