পিরোজপুরে তামাক ও তামাকজাত দ্রব্য ব্যবহার নিয়ন্ত্রণে কর্মরত বেসরকারি সংস্থা গ্রাম বাংলা উন্নয়ন কমিটি ও সহযোগী সংগঠন পিপলস ডেভেলপমেন্ট ফাউন্ডেশন (পিডিএফ) এর পক্ষ থেকে জেলা প্রশাসনকে সিগারেট কোম্পানিগুলোর আইন বিরোধী ও অনৈতিক কার্যক্রম প্রতিরোধে পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণের দাবিতে স্মারকলিপি প্রদান করা হয়েছে।
তরুণদের ধূমপানের নেশায় আকৃষ্টের প্ররোচনাকারী সিগারেট কোম্পানিগুলোর আইন বিরোধী ও অনৈতিক কার্যক্রম প্রতিরোধে পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণের দাবিতে বৃহস্পতিবার পিরোজপুরে পিডিএফ’র পক্ষ থেকে বৃহস্পতিবার নির্বাহী পরিচালক মো. রফিকুল ইসলাম পান্না জেলা প্রশাসকের প্রতিনিধি অতিরিক্ত জেলা প্রশাসক (সার্বিক) মোহাম্মদ সেলিম হোসেনের কাছে প্রদান করেন।
পিডিএফ’র নির্বাহী পরিচালকমো. রফিকুল ইসলাম পান্না সিগারেট কোম্পানির এ ধরণের স্বাস্থ্য ঝুঁকি সৃষ্টির অনৈতিক কার্যক্রমে যুক্তদের বিরুদ্ধে পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণের জন্য সরকার ও প্রশাসনের প্রতি আহ্বান জানান।

March 23, 2025 | Barishal

Tobacco control is an ongoing battle, requiring the combined efforts of government agencies, civil society, and community leaders. Recognizing the contributions of those working tirelessly in this field, Grambangla Unnayan Committee, in collaboration with Jhalokathi Development Society and Mobilization for Alternative Program (MAP), organized a special event at the Divisional Health Building in Barishal. The event, titled “Recognition of Sanitary Inspectors for Their Outstanding Contribution to the Implementation of the Tobacco Control Program in the Barishal Region,” celebrated the achievements of key individuals who have played a vital role in enforcing tobacco control laws.

Tobacco Advertising Declines: A Research Insight

During the event, Mr. A.K.M. Maksud, Executive Director of Grambangla Unnayan Committee, presented a compelling keynote based on a research study funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and technically supported by The Union. He revealed that in 2019, an alarming 3.2 tobacco advertisements per shop were recorded in the Barishal region. However, due to sustained awareness campaigns and regulatory enforcement under the initiative of Grambangla Unnayan Committee, this number significantly dropped to 1.4 per shop by 2022. This decline highlights the effectiveness of integrating local government institutions and healthcare facilities into the fight against tobacco.

Voices from the Discussion Panel

The discussion session brought together key stakeholders who reflected on the progress, challenges, and future directions of tobacco control initiatives in Barishal.

Strengthening Law Enforcement

The Chief Guest, Dr. Shyamal Krishna Mondal, Divisional Health Director of Barishal, emphasized the importance of proper implementation of tobacco control laws.

“Bangladesh has numerous tobacco control laws, but their proper enforcement remains a challenge. Tobacco consumption undoubtedly harms public health, but as a single institution, we have limited capacity to address this issue alone. If more NGOs step forward like Grambangla Unnayan Committee, we can collectively reduce the prevalence of tobacco use.”

A Call for Collaborative Efforts

Presiding over the event, Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Advisor to Grambangla Unnayan Committee and former Divisional Health Director of Barishal, called for a coordinated effort to make tobacco control initiatives more effective.

“To ensure the success of tobacco control programs, collaboration is key. I highly appreciate the initiatives undertaken by Grambangla Unnayan Committee in the Barishal division.”

Honoring the Heroes of Tobacco Control

One of the key highlights of the event was the recognition of 11 sanitary inspectors from 6 districts and 42 upazilas of Barishal, who were awarded for their outstanding contributions to the implementation of tobacco control programs. Their relentless efforts in enforcing regulations and raising awareness in their respective areas have been instrumental in curbing tobacco advertising and reducing public exposure to tobacco products.

The Role of Cultural and Community Leadership

During the event, Mr. Shuvangkar Chakraborty, President of Barishal Sammilito Sanskritik Jot and Executive Director of Mobilization for Alternative Program (MAP), acknowledged the proactive role of the Barishal Health Department and the sanitary inspectors in driving impactful changes.

“The dedicated leadership of the Barishal Health Department and the relentless work of sanitary inspectors have significantly reduced tobacco advertisements in the region. This is an encouraging sign that enforcement and awareness campaigns are making a real difference.”

Looking Ahead: A Smoke-Free Future

This event serves as a reminder that tobacco control is not just a policy issue but a collective responsibility. It requires active participation from government bodies, NGOs, healthcare professionals, and the community. By recognizing and encouraging the contributions of local enforcers, we pave the way for a healthier, tobacco-free Bangladesh.

As we move forward, it is crucial to strengthen partnerships, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and continue public awareness campaigns. With such efforts, we can hope for a future where tobacco-related harms are significantly reduced, and healthier communities thrive.