Opinion Archives - TheStatement24

Mar142025 by TS ReportNo Comments

Let’s Give Up Smoking During Holy Ramadan

Professor Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury If you are planning to give up smoking, this is the appropriate time for you. The holy Ramadan is a blessing for the Muslim community all over the world. Its etiquette and culture restrict people from taking any kind of food, drinks, or smoking, for at least 16 hours. Ultimately smokers and tobacco users in a fasting mood, remain a long time away from smoking, which is systematically not possible other than the holy Ramadan days. It’s a matter of psychological motivation that if he can be away from smoking for the last 16 hours, then it’s not difficult to light up a cigarette for the rest of the hours. Everybody knows about the harmful effects of smoking but ever then, the rate of smokers and tobacco users is not declining low as expected. Most ...

Mar32025 by TS ReportNo Comments

The tobacco epidemic is still one of the world’s deadliest threats

Breaking News, Opinion

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus & Dr. Adriana Blanco Marquizo There remain about 1.3 billion tobacco users globally, prompted by a multibillion-dollar industry that peddles addictive and deadly products and profits from the suffering of those who use them [Daniel Acker/Bloomberg] In the past 20 years, tobacco use has dropped by one-third globally, and there are an estimated 118 million fewer tobacco users today compared with 2005. Why? In large part because 20 years ago this week, after years of negotiation, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) entered into force – one of the most widely embraced United Nations treaties in history. The WHO FCTC was, and remains, a landmark in international law: the first treaty negotiated under the WHO Constitution, inc...

Feb72025 by TS ReportNo Comments

The Next Generation Trapped in Weak Parenting!

Breaking News, Opinion

Rezaur Rahman Rizvi For the past few days, one of the most talked-about news headlines across social media and mainstream media in Bangladesh has been the case of 11-year-old Arabi Islam Suba, a student of class six who went missing from Mohammadpur, Dhaka. When her father posted about her disappearance on Facebook, the post went viral almost instantly. People from all walks of life, including media personalities, shared the post and urged everyone to help find her. The news was widely covered by all major media outlets, and law enforcement authorities took the matter seriously, ultimately locating her. Most aware readers are already familiar with this case. However, this discussion is not about Suba’s disappearance or recovery but rather about the significant role that weak pare...

Jan122025 by TS ReportNo Comments

A Bold Step for a Healthier Future: Thank You for Banning E-Cigarettes

Breaking News, Opinion

Md. Tasnim Hasan Abir The recent announcement and issuance of a gazette by the government banning the import of e-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and all related products mark a significant shift in public health policy. This decision not only acknowledges growing concerns about the rising popularity of these products but also demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens. As we reflect on this decision, it is crucial to express gratitude to the authorities for taking this bold step to address the potential health risks associated with e-cigarettes and all related products. Over the past few years, electronic cigarettes and other emerging tobacco products have gained significant popularity, particularl...

Nov242024 by TS ReportNo Comments

A City That Never Sleeps, Still Asleep on Women’s Safety

Breaking News, Opinion

Chowdhury Naim Ahmed Mujib For mostwomen, something as simple as going out of the house requires a lot of planning, almost like preparing for a battle. From crowded streets and public transport to workplaces, the challenges women face in keeping themselves staying safe are constant and exhausting. A new platform, Amio Jitte Chai, funded by USAID and launched by Democracy International, is now offering a space to discuss these struggles and suggest solutions. On theirwebsite www.amiojittechai.com, many people have shared their concerns and one topic keeps coming up time and overis harassment free roads. Citizens are speaking out, calling for safer streets and public spaces. Everyone wants change—women want to walk freely without the fear of being harassed or attacked. Take Rais...

Oct302024 by TS ReportNo Comments

E-cigarettes: The Name of a Terrible Death Trap

Breaking News, Opinion

Md. Tasnim Hasan Abir E-cigarettes are no less dangerous for health as compared to conventional cigarettes. These harmful commodities intelligently are being marketed to the youth through attractive campaigning by the tobacco companies, which is affecting the future of the nation. According to the World Health Organization, all emerging tobacco products including the e-cigarettes result in health hazards. To save the young generation from addiction towards e-cigarettes, their importation, sale, use, and promotion should be completely banned. It has to be kept in mind that tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are big stumbling blocks on the way to a healthier society. 48 percent of the population in Bangladesh comprises young people. The prevalence of tobacco use among Bangla...

Jun272024 by TS ReportNo Comments

What Do You Think About Bancassurance?

Breaking News, Opinion

David JH Griffiths This question was posed by Mr. Gokul Chand Das, Member, Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority IDRA) at the Asia banking and Finance Magazine Awards ceremony in Singapore in July 2018, where Guardian Life won three awards. A very positive discussion ensued during which I offered Guardian’s help to IDRA in pursuing this idea. Subsequently the Guardian Bancassurance Team researched Bancassurance regulations across the region and provided IDRA with draft regulations suitable for Bangladesh. In addition to Mr Das we were also encouraged in our efforts by Mr. Khalil Ahmed Executive Director of IDRA now Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs. In November 2019 we went to see the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Mr. Fazle Kabir, to ascertain the Central Bank’s view...

Jun222024 by TS ReportNo Comments

The Russell’s Viper: Unveiling the Reality Behind the Rumors in Bangladesh

Breaking News, Opinion

Abul Bashar Meraz Bangladesh, a country with rich biodiversity, is home to a variety of snake species, including some of the world's most venomous. Among these, the Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) has recently garnered attention due to numerous rumors about its presence and the threat it poses to the population. This article aims to separate fact from fiction, providing an in-depth look at the Russell's Viper, its habitat, and its impact in Bangladesh. The Russell's Viper is a highly venomous snake found across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of China and Taiwan. Named after Patrick Russell, a Scottish herpetologist, this snake is known for its distinctive chain-like pattern of dark brown spots on a lighter background. It typically measures between 4 to 5.5 f...

May312024 by TS ReportNo Comments

World No Tobacco Day: Protect children from tobacco company interference

Breaking News, Opinion

Rezaur Rahman Rizvi Today, 31st May, is World No Tobacco Day—a global observance aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. In Bangladesh, this day has been marked with various programs for the past two decades. This year's theme, "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference," underscores the urgent need to shield our youth from the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry. As the future of our nation, children must be protected from falling prey to the harmful allure of tobacco products. The Threat to Our Next Generation: Children are the future of our society, and their health and well-being are paramount. Unfortunately, tobacco companies target young people to secure a n...

May142024 by TS ReportNo Comments

Synthetic Drug Menace among Cox’s Bazar Youth: A Looming Crisis

Breaking News, Opinion

Md. Shahedul Haque Cox's Bazar is the longest natural sea beach in the world, hosting tourists from all over the world in Bangladesh, but unfortunately, becoming a nucleus for the perilous spread of synthetic drugs among its youth. The increasing prevalence of synthetic stimulants, such as "Yaba," a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine, is wreaking havoc on the young populace. This article aims to highlight the impact of synthetic drug use on the adolescents in this coastal region and the wider societal implications therein. Historically, the coastal context of Cox's Bazar is vulnerable to drug trafficking. The porous border and the accompanying ease with which drugs are trafficked into the region have made them alarmingly accessible to its youths. Synthetic drugs like Yaba ...