BSS: Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi Bir Protik today stressed the need for strengthening tobacco control law aiming to protect public health. “The priority of public health is above everything else. A stronger tobacco control law is a must to reduce the death toll caused by tobacco,” he said while speaking at the Secretariat here during a meeting with delegations from PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA). The minister also affirmed his ministry’s full support behind the Health Ministry’s attempt to amend the tobacco control law, a press release said.During the meeting, PROGGA and ATMA informed that currently the prevalence of tobacco use stands at 35.3 percent (37.8 million) of the adult population (15 y/o and above). Tobacco-related deaths and diseases cost the economy since the financial toll is much higher than the revenue generated from tobacco sector. Realising the extent of tobacco’s devastation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already voiced her commitment to building a tobacco-free country by 2040 and accordingly provided the directive to bring time-fitting changes to the tobacco control law.
Following the clear directives from the premier, the Health Ministry has taken the initiative to amend the law. Some of the proposals included in the draft amendment are eliminating Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs) in all public places and public transports, banning the display of tobacco products, etc.