Photo : BSS

DHAKA, June 19, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a workshop underscored the need for strengthening the role of youths in the proper implementation of the existing Tobacco Control Law.

They said a ban must also be demanded on all Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of tobacco companies within universities, assuring that they, along with the university administrations, would support the efforts.

The workshop titled 'Youth's Role in Public Health Protection and Strengthening the Tobacco Control Law' was held today at an auditorium of Jahangirnagar University (JU), as part of efforts to achieve a tobacco-free Bangladesh.

Dr Md Sakhawat Hossain, Chairman and Associate Professor of the Department of Public Health and Informatics at JU, delivered the welcome speech at the event.

Proctor of JU Professor AKM Rashidul Islam and Professor Dr Md Monowar Hossain, among others, addressed the workshop as special guests, said a press release here.

Advocacy Coordinator of the Tobacco Control Project at DORP Dr Silvana Ishrat presented the keynote paper at the workshop.

Professor Rashidul said, "As members of the JU Anti-Tobacco Youth Club, you (youths) must immediately call upon the university administration to issue an official order declaring all administrative, academic, and residential buildings of the university 100% smoke-free."

Mentioning that youth are the primary target of tobacco companies, Professor Monowar said, "To lure youths, the companies are using various deceptive strategies. These CSR initiatives are nothing but part of their promotional tactics.

"We must raise our voices against these ploys from our respective positions-especially you, the youth," he added.