RAJSHAHI, Nov 26, 2018 (BSS)- Development activists and volunteers
unequivocally called for ending manufacturing and marketing of illegal
cigarettes and bidi for protecting the public health from various non-
contagious diseases.
They observed that marketing and selling of low quality and substandard
cigarettes and bidi has been posing a serious threat to the public health,
particularly youths and poor population.
They made this observation while addressing a human-chain and street
corner meeting at Shaheb Bazar Zero Point in Rajshahi city yesterday. A
number of non-government and volunteer organizations arranged the meeting
putting forward the demands.
Chaired by President of Women Handicrafts Development Organization
Anjuman Ara Lipi, the meeting was addressed, among others, President of Swa
Unnayan Mustafiizur Rahman Khan, General Secretary of Rural and Urban
Development Organization Sohag Ali, valiant freedom fighter Minhaj Uddin,
General Secretary of Rajshahi Rakkha Sangram Paraishad Jamat Khan and Member
Secretary of Progotishil Nagorik Sanghati Shah Ziauddin.
The speakers mentioned that the government has hiked price of cigarettes
and bidi and introduced pictorial health warning on packets to discourage the
public in general from tobacco uses.
Later, they submitted memorandum to the offices of divisional
commissioner, deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and commissioner
of customs, excise and vat seeking effective measures against the existing
misdeeds.