ZCZC
BSS-26
TOBACCO-CONTROL-LAW (with picture)
Call to free educational institutions from tobacco selling
RAJSHAHI, May 19, 2019 (BSS)- Speakers at a discussion here today
unequivocally called for freeing the educational institutions along with
their catchment areas from selling of tobacco products to protect the
students from its uses.
They mentioned that utmost emphasis should be given on restricting 100
metres surrounding areas of the educational institutions from tobacco
selling.
The observations came at a view-sharing meeting to mark the unveiling of
findings of a research paper titled “Big Tobacco Tiny Target” at Master Chef
Chinese Restaurant in the city.
Association for Community Development (ACD), a rights-based non-government
entity, organised the meeting in association with Campaign for Tobacco Free
Kids (CTFK).
Chairman of Rajshahi Education Board Prof Abul Kalam Azad and Chairman of
ACD Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan addressed the discussion as the chief and
special guests respectively with Dr Shormin Ferdous chowdhury, Divisional
Deputy Director of Department of Secondary and Higher Educaton, in the chair.
Medical Officer of Civil Surgeon Office Dr Kamrul Hassan, CTFK Grants
Manager Abdus Salam Mian, Programme Officer Ataur Rahman Masud, ACD Tobacco
Control Project Manager Shahinur Rahman and Media Manager Amzad Hossain also
spoke.
ACD Advocacy Officer Shariful Islam Shamim presented the survey report
saying gross violation of the Tobacco Control Act in the restricted areas of
educational institutions posing a serious threat to the students’ health.
Prof Abul Kalam Azad narrated various demerits of smocking and uses of
other smokeless tobacco products. He said imposing restriction on smoking in
catchment areas of educational institutions is very important for protecting
the young generation from various chronic diseases caused by smoking.
He said forging a social movement has become an urgent need for ensuring
hundred per cent smoke-free public places for freeing the students from
passive smoking which is injurious to their health.
Later on, the ACD also exposed the research findings in a press conference
held at its office here this afternoon.
BSS/AH/RY/1805 hrs