Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 20, 2025 (BSS) - Experts at a roundtable today underscored the need to strengthen the law to build a tobacco-free generation.

They said that, to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), prevent massive loss of lives, and create a tobacco-free generation, there is no alternative to strengthening tobacco control law.

The remarks were made at a roundtable discussion titled "Building a Tobacco-Free Generation: Citizens' Perspectives on Strengthening TC Law", organized jointly by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA) at CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital, according to a press release.

Experts said tobacco is a major impediment to achieving SDGs in Bangladesh. In particular, it undermines SDG Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third by 2030.

In Bangladesh, 71% of all deaths are attributed to NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer, with tobacco use being a major contributing factor. On average, tobacco claims the lives of 442 individuals every day in the country.  

It was also informed at the roundtable that Bangladesh is home to nearly 50 million young people aged between 15 and 35. To safeguard this vast demographic from the harms of tobacco, it is imperative to adopt a robust, industry-interference-free tobacco control law and ensure its strict enforcement.

Speakers said tobacco acts as a barrier to achieving major Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health, Poverty Reduction, Food Safety and Sustainable Agriculture, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Conservation of Environment and Climate, thus potentially hindering the realization of SDGs by 2030.

Considering the devastating impact of tobacco, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare took the initiative to amend the Smoking and Tobacco Products (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2013, in 2021. The draft is currently being revised by a high-powered Advisory Committee, formed through a gazette notification in 2024.

However, tobacco companies remain persistent in attempting to interfere with the amendment process. Speakers urged the government to ensure quick passage of the amendment and not be misled by the ill tactics of the tobacco industry.

In his speech as the chief guest, Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, former caretaker government adviser and prominent economist, said, "The harms of tobacco are multifaceted. Since the current government is undertaking reforms in many sectors, the amendment of the tobacco control law would be a signature reform for the government."

Professor Dr Golam Mohiuddin Faruque, President of Bangladesh Cancer Society (BCS), who conducted an experience-sharing session of tobacco-induced cancer victims, said, "We've listened to the woes of the victims. We don't want to hear such dreadful experiences anymore. To safeguard the future generation, the draft amendment of the tobacco control law needs to get the nod as soon as possible."

Dr Abu Jamil Faisel, public health expert and President-elect of the Public Health Association, said, "There is no alternative to strengthening tobacco control law to deal with the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). I urge the government to ensure quick passage of the amendment."

Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Abu Taher said, "Mass media has been playing a strong role in facilitating amendment of the tobacco control law. This trend must continue."

Dr Mahfuz Kabir, Research Director of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), said, "The amendment of tobacco control law has no relation with potential loss in revenue inflow. To protect public health, the amendment process must be free from tobacco industry interference."

Public health expert and international sports development consultant Professor Dr Anupam Hossain said, "E-cigarettes and vaping are equally harmful as traditional tobacco products. So, these products must be banned at all costs."

Among the discussants were Mortuza Haider Liton, Convenor of ATMA; AMB Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA; and representatives of several anti-tobacco organizations.

Nadira Kiron, Co-convener of ATMA hosted the event whereas Hasan Shahriar, Head of Programmes at PROGGA, presented the key points.