Bangladesh's Youth Demand Swift Passage of Tobacco Control Law Amendment and Revoke Industry Meetings

Youth in Bangladesh have urged the government to promptly pass the draft amendment proposal of the tobacco control law prepared by the Health Ministry and reject the decision to hold meetings with tobacco companies. This demand was made by an anti-tobacco Youth March that took place in the capital, marking a significant step towards safeguarding the country's youth from the deadly effects of tobacco. Renowned Economist and Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government, Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, expressed solidarity with the youth, emphasizing the scientifically proven harm caused by tobacco.

Key Takeaways:

• The Youth March, initiated by anti-tobacco organizations, aimed to raise awareness about the rising prevalence of tobacco use among young people in Bangladesh, posing a significant threat to the future generation.
• The Advisory Committee reviewing the draft of the tobacco control law amendment proposal decided to meet with tobacco companies, violating Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Bangladesh, having signed and ratified FCTC, is obligated to comply with the international convention, making any industry involvement unacceptable.
• Participants at the Youth March urged the government to delay the meeting with tobacco companies and pass the Health Ministry's proposed tobacco control act amendment immediately.
• Solidarity with the Youth March was expressed by various anti-tobacco organizations, including Dhaka Ahsania Mission, DORP, National Heart Foundation, Nari Maitree, PPRC, PROGGA, and TABINAJ, as well as other representatives of anti-tobacco groups.
• Participants handed over a list of demands signed by nearly 10,000 anti-tobacco youths to the representative of the Office of the Chief Advisor, Government of Bangladesh.

Statistics:

• Nearly 10,000 anti-tobacco youth signed the list of demands handed over to the Government of Bangladesh.
• The Youth March took place from the Central Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh in the capital city.

Sources:

• "Tobacco control law amendment proposal," Health Ministry, Government of Bangladesh
• "Bangladesh signs and ratifies FCTC," World Health Organization (WHO)
• "Youth March demands swift passage of tobacco control law amendment," The Daily Star
• Various anti-tobacco organizations' statements and initiatives as mentioned in the article