Speakers at a press conference today called for strict action against tobacco companies for their deceptive tactics, illegal promotion, and alluring of young people into harmful tobacco addiction. They emphasized the need to counter the ever-evolving stratagems of tobacco companies to protect children, adolescents, and young adults from tobacco. Ensuring this, they argued, would lead to a healthier generation in the long run, reduce tobacco-related diseases in the healthcare sector, and mitigate the burden of premature deaths and overall losses.
The press conference, organized by Madak Darbo O Nesha Nirodh Sangstha (MANAS) was held at the National Press Club on Friday, May 30, at 11:00 AM. The keynote paper was presented and presided over by the founder president of MANAS, freedom fighter Professor Dr. Arup Ratan Choudhury. Dr. Mohammad Abdul Mazid, Chairman of the Social Development Foundation, retired government secretary, and former Chairman of the National Board of Revenue, was present as the chief guest. Distinguished guests included MANAS General Secretary and Singer Ferdous Wahid, and Aminul Islam Sujon, Technical Advisor at Vital Strategies. The event featured a welcoming speech by MANAS Organizing Secretary, freedom fighter Matiur Rahman Talukder, and was moderated by Umme Jannat, Project Coordinator, of Tobacco Control Program.
In his keynote address, MANAS President, freedom fighter Professor Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury, stated that smokers and tobacco users suffer from various non-communicable diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung diseases, and currently, 67% of deaths are due to these diseases. In Bangladesh, a significant number of people are newly affected by cancer each year (the exact number was not specified in the original text). Young smokers face a much higher risk of developing diabetes. Yet, to attract young people to tobacco, companies are using appealing colors, flavors, and attractive designs. Illegal advertisements are being promoted at sales points, online platforms, and in films, dramas, and web series through heroes and main characters depicted smoking and consuming drugs. Furthermore, new threats like ‘e-cigarettes’ are being marketed through deceptive tactics. “If young people go astray, it will be a tragic matter for us as a nation. Therefore, taking effective measures to stop the promotional and enticing activities of tobacco companies is essential for the protection of youth,” he added.
Dr. Mohammad Abdul Mazid remarked, “The government is working to reduce its reliance on tobacco revenue. However, the true fact is that tobacco companies do not pay taxes according to the amount of tobacco products they produce. In other words, multinational tobacco companies cunningly evade government taxes. The expenditure on medical treatment for tobacco-related diseases far exceeds the revenue earned from tobacco. Essentially, it’s like digging a canal to bring in a crocodile! None of us want the burden of tobacco-related diseases to increase among our working population. Therefore, it is urgent for the government to withdraw from tobacco companies and control our self-contradictory activities.”
Aminul Islam Sujon stated, “Globally, over 8.7 million people die from tobacco-related diseases annually. In Bangladesh, more than 161,000 people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses. Tobacco companies began their deceptive tactics as soon as people started understanding the harms of tobacco. This deception began with the addition of filters to bidis and cigarettes. Now, they are trying to market e-cigarettes by presenting them as less harmful. To this end, they are using various flavors, colors, and designs to attract the younger generation. It is crucial to control these practices.”
It is worth noting that World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31st in various countries, including Bangladesh, under the initiative of the World Health Organization, to raise awareness against tobacco. This year, the day will also be celebrated through various programs. This year, the World Health Organization has set the theme for the day as “Unmasking the appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products.” On May 31st, at 3:00 PM, MANAS will organize a discussion meeting at the BIRDEM General Hospital Auditorium.