RAJSHAHI, Feb 13, 2020 (BSS)- Speakers at a press conference here today mentioned 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 local 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 organisation, organised the media conference titled “Present Situation of Enforcement of the Tobacco Control Law- 2013 (Amendment) in Rajshahi city” held at the ACD office conference hall.
Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids (CTFK) supported the meeting.
Chaired by ACD Executive Director Salima Sarwar, the conference was
addressed, among others, by Editor of Daily Sonar Desh Akbarul Hassan Millat,
Senior Journalist Sarker Shariful Islam, ACD Programme Manager Mostofa Kamal,
Programme Officer Krishna Rani Biswash 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.
Akbarul Hassan Millat 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,” he added.
Salima Sarwar 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.
“Mobile courts should be conducted against all sorts of violations of the
law,” she said, adding that the district administration should supplement
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s announcement of freeing the country from
tobacco use by 2040.