Speakers at a human chain and street rally in front of the National Museum on Sunday called for the immediate amendment to the tobacco control law to safeguard public health and prevent tobacco companies from influencing government policy.
The programme, jointly organised by Earth Development Foundation, Dhaka University鈥檚 Sociology Earth Club and Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance, was held at about 4:00pm, says a press release.
Its aim was to strengthen public support for stricter tobacco regulation and ensure corporate lobbying efforts by tobacco companies fail to affect policymaking.
The event was presided over by Professor A F M Sarwar, former vice-principal of Bangladesh Dental College and research advisor at the Centre for Law and Policy Affairs.
Fayaz Anam Shonon, youth officer of Earth Development Foundation and a student of Dhaka University鈥檚 Sociology Department, moderated the event.
Md Sujon Hossain, president of the Sociology Earth Club, in his speech discussed the growing popularity of tobacco products among youth and their harmful impacts.
Farhana Jaman Liza, project coordinator of the Tobacco Control and Research Cell at Dhaka International University, elaborated on the adverse health effects of tobacco use.
In his concluding remarks, Professor Sarwar stressed the urgent need to strengthen the tobacco control law to protect the young generation from the devastating effects of tobacco.
