UNB :
ADHUNIK, the first anti-tobacco organization in Bangladesh that encourages smokers to quit for good, has said the government should enlist tobacco as a dangerous addictive drug in the country.
“ADHUNIK will strengthen its campaign in demanding tobacco control and gradually push for a complete ban on tobacco products,” said its president Amanullah Khan.
Speaking at a recent webinar, he said the World Health Organization (WHO) enlisted tobacco as an addictive drug way back in 1987.
“We’ve continuously pressed forward our demand to the Narcotics Control Department of our country to do the same in Bangladesh, but to no avail,” he said, adding that it is vital to let the government know how much it is important.
Amanullah Khan also stressed the need for making tobacco products pricier through increased taxation.
ADHUNIK (Amra Dhumpan Nibaron Kori) hosted the webinar titled “World No Tobacco Day: Pledge to Quit Tobacco Today” supported by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
At the event, Amanullah Khan also paid homage to ADHUNIK’s founder President National Professor Dr Nurul Islam, calling him as a ‘Dedicated Tobacco Warrior’.
Launched in 1987, ADHUNIK won WHO awards thrice-in 1992, 1992 and 2005 (Special Award of WHO Director General) – in recognition of its remarkable role in creating a supportive environment for smokers to give up.
“We may lose the battle, but we’ll win the war,” said the current ADHUNIK president citing Prof Dr. Nurul Islam as a great hero on the war against tobacco.
Khan said tobacco business empires are widening their horizons every day and their lobby is very strong, giving their business a stronger footing.
He said the government should take tougher initiatives to control tobacco products to live up to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s pledge for creating a smoking-free Bangladesh by 2040.
President of Coalition Against Tobacco Tracks and Terrorism (CATT) Ali Neyamat also spoke on the occasion.
Vice Chancellor of Chattogram Medical College Prof Dr Md Ismail Khan spoke at the webinar as the chief guest.
