The book “Oral Cancer: Prevention and Treatment” by Professor Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury was unveiled on Tuesday, 09 September 2025, at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka. The event was organized by Madak Darbo O Nesha Nirodh Sangstha (MANAS). The health-focused book, published by Chandrachap, has been dedicated to the renowned singer Sabina Yasmin.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Nurjahan Begum, Honorable Adviser, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, while Professor Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury, Founder President of MANAS, presided over the program.
Distinguished guests who attended and spoke at the event included Akhtar-uz Zaman, Director General of the National Tobacco Control Cell, Rumana Rashid Ishita, Vice President of MANAS, Ferdous Wahid, General Secretary of MANAS, Matiur Rahman Talukder, Organizational Secretary of MANAS, Hussasn Ali Khondaker, Former Additional Secretary, Aminul Islam Bokul, Advisor of DAS, and Sagufata Sultana, Project Director of Aid Foundation, among others. The program was moderated by Umme Jannat, Project Coordinator of MANAS.
In her remarks, Nurjahan Begum emphasized that 71% of healthcare costs in Bangladesh are borne by the people themselves, while tobacco consumption remains a major cause of disease burden. She warned that adolescents are increasingly becoming addicted to cigarettes in secrecy, urging parents to remain vigilant. “Tobacco control is not only the responsibility of the interim government, but a collective duty. Leaders like Dr. ArupRatan must be supported in this mission,” she said. Referring to the book as a timely and important publication, she expressed hope for its wide circulation.
In his address, Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury stated that the leading causes of oral cancer in Bangladesh are the use of tobacco leaves, jarda, and gul. He noted that in rural areas, especially women consume betel leaf with jarda and sada pata, which increases their risks of cancer and other chronic diseases. “The mouth is the gateway to overall health. If oral health is protected, the body can remain healthy. This book is part of a broader awareness campaign, and now we must ensure its widespread dissemination,” he said.