Progga
A roundtable meeting on ‘National Tobacco Control Policy and Health Development Surcharge Management Policy’ organised jointly by Progga and The daily Samakal was held on the 4th instant at a hotel in the city. Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammed Nasim was present as the chief guest. While speaking Nasim called for collective efforts of all concerned to make the country tobacco free by 2040. “The government alone cannot make the country tobacco free. Collective efforts of all stakeholders, including ministries, are must to this end,” he added. Nasim said National Tobacco Control Policy and Health Development Surcharge Management Policy will make effect soon. Reiterating the government’s firm commitment to control tobacco, he said all health complexes, centers and ministries have already been made non-smoking zones, he said. The function was also addressed, among others, by Economist Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, National Professor Brig (retd) Abdul Malik, journalist Manzurul Ahsan Bulbul and representatives of anti-tobacco organisations. Samakal Editor Golam Sarwar presided over the event.
Forum for Women and Child Assistance
A discussion in observance of World Autism Awareness Day organised by Forum for Women and Child Assistance (FWCA) was held at Moonlight Convention Centre in Rajshahi. In the programme the speaker said the autistic and mentally retarded children could flourish their latent talents if they were properly cared, nurtured and provided with necessary opportunities.They emphasised on creating adequate awareness among the pregnant mothers and parents to reduce the risk of autism and physical disability of newborn babies. Earlier, a huge rally, participated by autistic and disabled people was brought out in the city. Children, government and non-government officials, socio-cultural and voluntary organisations, professionals, human rights and women activists joined the rally. Former Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation AHM Khairuzzaman Liton addressed the discussion as the chief guest with Chief Patron of FWCA Shaheen Akter Rainy in the chair. President of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Md Muniruzzaman, FWCA Chairman Sadiqur Rahman and Executive Direcctor Wahida Khanom spoke on the occasion.The speakers narrated the present situation on autism and disability around the globe and cited various government steps for ensuring welfare of the autistic and physically challenged children.
