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Youth

Bangladesh's Youth Demand Swift Action on Tobacco Control Amid Industry Pressure

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The youth of Bangladesh, protesting against the rising menace of tobacco, took to the streets on Saturday, emphasizing the need for swift passage of the draft tobacco control law amendment proposal. The Health Ministry's proposal, aimed at safeguarding the youth from the deadly tobacco, has been pending, while the government plans to hold a meeting with tobacco companies, violating Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Renowned Economist Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman emphasized the harm caused by tobacco, and the youth marched from Central Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh, urging the government to comply with international obligations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nearly 161,000 lives are claimed by tobacco each year in Bangladesh.
  • The prevalence of tobacco use among the youth is rising at an alarming pace, posing a significant threat to the future generation.
  • The Advisory Committee's decision to meet with tobacco companies is in clear violation of Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
  • Bangladesh has committed to comply with the international obligation by ratifying FCTC.
  • The Health Ministry's draft Tobacco Control Act amendment proposal must be passed immediately.
  • Dhaka Ahsania Mission, DORP, National Heart Foundation, Nari Maitree, PPRC, PROGGA, and TABINAJ expressed solidarity with the Youth March.
  • Over 10,000 anti-tobacco youths signed a list of demands handed over to the representative of the Office of the Chief Advisor, Government of Bangladesh.
  • The purpose of the Youth March was to express solidarity with the young people demanding amends to the Tobacco Control Act.

Statistics:

  • 161,000 lives claimed by tobacco each year in Bangladesh.
  • Hundreds of thousands of illnesses, including cancer, stroke, heart diseases, and disabilities, caused by tobacco use per year in Bangladesh.
  • 10,000 plus anti-tobacco youths signed the list of demands handed over to the representative of the Office of the Chief Advisor.

Sources:

  • The government must ensure quick passage of the existing draft amendment proposal of the tobacco control law prepared by Health Ministry.
  • The Youth March commenced at the Central Shaheed Minar and ended at Shahbagh.
  • Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, renowned Economist and Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government said: 'The harmful effects of tobacco are scientifically undeniable.'
  • Article 5.3 of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • The Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024
  • FCTC Article 5.3 prohibits involvement of the tobacco industry or its affiliates in the formulation of tobacco control related laws, rules or policies.

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