ZCZC
BSS-04
FREE-TOBACCO-CITY (with picture)
Community role to build tobacco-free Rajshahi city stressed
RAJSHAHI, Nov 7, 2018 (BSS) – Public representatives and health experts at
an advocacy meeting here observed that community role is of essence to build
tobacco-free Rajshahi city, urging all to come forward and work together to
attain the cherished goal.
Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and Association for Community Development
(ACD), a right-based non-government entity, jointly organized the meeting at
city bhaban conference hall yesterday in association with Campaign for
Tobacco-free Kids (CTFK) and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
‘Tobacco Free Rajshahi City” was the main theme of the meeting.
Panel Mayor of RCC Shariful Islam Babu addressed the meeting as the chief
guest while two other panel mayors Rajab Ali and Tahera Begum addressed as
special guests with RCC Chief Executive Officer Shah Momin in the chair.
RCC Ward councilors Nazrul Islam, Kamal Hossain, Umme Salma and Laily
Begum, Secretary Rejaul Islam and Chief Health Officer Dr Anjuman Ara Begum
and ACD Programme Officer Krishna Biswash also spoke.
ACD Project Coordinator Ehsanul Amin told the meeting that around 57,000
people die and nearly 12 lakh people become disabled every year in the
country due to tobacco-related diseases.
He expressed concern that tobacco companies are expanding their market
promotional activities in the name of corporate social responsibilities,
which must be resisted.
Shariful Islam called for a proper enforcement of the revised tobacco
control law to free the public health from various non-contagious diseases
caused by tobacco using.
He said frequent and indiscriminate smoking in public places affects the
non-smokers more than that of the direct smokers.
He urged the attending RCC Ward Councilors to supplement the process of
proper enforcement of the tobacco control law.
Dr Begum said forging a social movement has become an urgent need for
ensuring hundred percent smoke-free public places.
BSS/AH/GMR/1209 hrs