Tobacco use causes 161,253 premature deaths annually in Bangladesh, while the cost of treating tobacco-related diseases exceeds BDT 420 billion each year. Strengthening the tobacco control law through necessary amendments would help reduce preventable deaths and associated medical expenses.
Speakers emphasized this at the inaugural ceremony of a mini marathon titled “Call for Stronger Tobacco Control Laws” on Thursday (February 27, 2025) at 7:00 AM in front of Zia Udyan. The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh organized the marathon, which started from the road in front of Zia Udyan, circled the road near Ganabhaban, and ended back at Zia Udyan. More than 200 participants took part in the event.
The marathon was inaugurated by Md. Rezaul Maksud Jahedi from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and was chaired by Professor Dr. Khondker Abdul Awal Rizvi, President of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh. Special guests included Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharf Uddin Ahmed Choudhury and Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Jobaid Hossain, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
During the event, speakers highlighted that 35.3% of Bangladeshi adults use tobacco, with 18% smoking and 20.6% consuming smokeless tobacco products (Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2017). Additionally, 6.9% of students aged 13-15 use tobacco (Global Youth Tobacco Survey, 2013), posing a severe threat to the health of future generations. To align Bangladesh’s tobacco control law with global standards and protect the next generation, six key amendments are necessary:
Eliminate designated smoking areas (DSA) in all public places and public transport; Ban the display of tobacco products at points of sale (POS); Completely prohibit tobacco companies from conducting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities; Protect youth from the harmful effects of emerging tobacco products, including e-cigarettes; Increase the size of graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging from 50% to 90% and Ban the sale of single sticks of cigarettes, unpackaged, and loose smokeless tobacco products.
In his speech, Professor Dr. Khondker Abdul Awal Rizvi stated that leading a healthy life requires behavioral changes, and for this, a supportive environment must be established. He urged that to ensure 100% smoke-free public places, the existing tobacco control law must be amended in line with WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
He further stressed that tobacco companies are strategically using social media to target young people for profit, disregarding public health. Hence, strengthening the existing law is imperative to counteract their influence.
Among other attendees were Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of Epidemiology & Research at the Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute; Dr. Saklayen Russell, Vascular Surgeon at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute; Naimul Azam Khan, Consultant of the Heart Foundation’s Tobacco Control Program; and Ataur Rahman, Advocacy Manager at Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, along with representatives from anti-tobacco organizations and media professionals.###