ZCZC
BSS-23
TOBACCO-CONTROL-MEDIA (with picture)
Media role to end tobacco control law violation stressed
RAJSHAHI, Dec 4, 2019 (BSS)- Speakers at a press conference here today opined
that responsive role of mass-media is imperative to protect public health
from various non communicable diseases (NCD) through stopping all sorts of
violations of the existing Tobacco Control Law.
They noted that the media report can facilitate the administration to
launch fight against all sorts of illegal advertisements and publication of
the multinational tobacco companies in line with enforcement of the tobacco
control law.
Association for Community Development (ACD), a rights-based non-government
development organization, organised the media conference to mark the
unfolding of a survey report related to ‘advertisement, publicity, incentives
and patronization of tobacco products in Rajshahi city area’.
Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids (CTFK) supported the meeting.
Chaired by ACD Executive Director Salima Sarwar, the conference was
addressed, among others, by Executive Magistrate Rifatul Islam, ACD Director
Pankaj Karmaker, Programme Officers Krishna Rani Biswash and Anwar Hossain
and Media Manager Amzad Hossain.
During presentation of the survey report, ACD Advocacy Officer Shariful
Islam said most of the retailers and selling points were found flouting
tobacco control law through getting support of the tobacco companies.
Salima Sarwar said imposing restrictions on smoking in public places and
transports is very important for protecting many non-smokers from various
NCDs and use of tobacco items causes many NCDs including cancer, heart
disease, stroke, diabetes, tuberculosis and chronic respiratory disorder.
“Many of the tobacco companies are also expanding their market through
promotional activities in the name of corporate social responsibility, which
must be stopped,” she added.
She said the government has amended the law to make it more stringent because
of growing tobacco use in the country and as per the law, the selling of
cigarettes to those below 18 has been banned.
Salima Sarwar added that mobile courts should be conducted against all sorts
of violations of the law, adding the district administration should
supplement Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s announcement of freeing the country
from tobacco use by 2040.
BSS/AH/SKB/1700hrs