DHAKA, May 20, 2020 (BSS) – Industries Ministry today issued a
clarification about the report published in different media outlets on
banning the tobacco production and tobacco-related products, quoting
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun.
In the clarification, the Industries Ministry said that it would be
reasonable to keep the tobacco industry running maintaining the overall
health rules.
Besides, by creating public awareness about the harmful effects of smoking
and consumption of tobacco products, it will be possible to achieve the goal
of building a tobacco-free Bangladesh announced by the Prime Minister.
The ministry hoped that the National Tobacco Control Cell will take
necessary motivational activities as per the demand of the time.
The ministry said there is no difference in the purpose of the National
Tobacco Control Cell under the Health Services Division and the Industries
Ministry.
The Industries Ministry has also full support to the Prime Minister’s
policy of declaring a smoke-free Bangladesh by 2041 and the ministry is
working to implement the goal.
The ministry said tobacco is an important industry in Bangladesh and this
industry is associated with the employment of thousands of marginal farmers
and workers in the country.
“Although harmful to public health, the tobacco industry is still active
all over the world, including the industrialized countries. The industry
alone contributes the most to foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh.
A significant portion of our national revenue comes from this industry,” the
ministry added.
The ministry said if this industry is shut down in a hurry, the country
will be deprived of huge revenues on one hand; and the employment
opportunities of a large number of poor people will be cut off on the other
hand.
“Marginal farmers will be severely affected if they do not buy tobacco
leaves. Also such a decision would give a negative impression among foreign
investors directly about our country. As a result, our foreign investment
flow will suffer,” the ministry added.
Industries Ministry said although smoking or the use of tobacco products
is harmful to health, its users are consuming it knowingly.
“Even if the industry is temporarily shut down, they will continue to
enjoy it. In this case, it is not possible to stop smoking during the
coronavirus crisis only by temporarily stopping production without personal
motivation,” the ministry added.
Moreover, if its production ceases, black marketeers will be encouraged and
the country will lose valuable foreign exchange and revenue through tobacco
products, including imported cigarettes. In this case, the National Tobacco
Control Cell under the Health Services Department of the Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare may intensify the campaign for its avoidance among smokers
and tobacco national service providers.
In the COVID-19 situation, there is already a lot of pressure on the
national economy of Bangladesh like the global economy and this pressure will
inevitably increase in the coming days. Due to the outbreak of coronavirus,
industrial and economic activities in different parts of the country have
come to a standstill.
As a result, many people have become unemployed at the marginal level.
Although the Prime Minister has taken up the program of distributing cash
and relief to the poor under the social safety net, it will be difficult for
the government as a developing country to continue it for a long time.