153 MPs write to PM to control tobacco: Habibe Millat

Published : Wednesday, 18 May, 2022 at 9:15 PM Count : 972

153 MPs write to PM to control tobacco: Habibe Millat

At least 153 MPs write to the Prime Minister to control tobacco in the country, Prof. Dr. Habibe Millat MP, Chairman of Bangladesh Parliamentary Forum for Health and Wellbeing, has said.

He said this at a conference titled “Members of Parliament (MPs) Conference for Achieving Tobacco-Free Bangladesh by 2040” held in Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday.

Bangladesh Parliamentary Forum for Health and Wellbeing organized the conference in association with Shastho Shurokkha Foundation and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Bangladesh.

Thirty-two members of the Parliament joined the conference with Habibe Millat in the chair.

Habibe Millat said the objective of the conference is to implement a tobacco free Bangladesh by 2040 as announced by the Prime Minister.

Matthew L Myers, President of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), termed the conference as the largest parliamentary event in the world and said a high number of MPs have come together to control tobacco in their country.

“The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is globally recognized for her commitment to make the country tobacco free by 2040. CTFK are happy to support this vision which to be realized. Bangladesh has already achieved remarkable success in reducing tobacco consumption but it still remains in higher position globally,” said the President of CTFK.

The main focus of the conference will be on amending the Tobacco Control Act and controlling the use of tobacco products in the country.

The concluding session of the conference will adopt a declaration entitled “Achieving a Tobacco-Free Bangladesh by 2040.”

Vandana Shah, regional director, South Asia programs, CTFK, said, “Bangladesh has a strong tobacco control law but it needs to be amended in a way that supports the PM’s vision and saves more lives. We will work together in this pursuit.”

“If we do not control tobacco effectively now by 2030 - 80% deaths would be seen from tobacco in low and middle income countries. Bangladesh is a regional leader in tobacco control and public health as per the view of the Prime Minister.”

Vandana Shah said, “We are still lagging behind and is needed to expedite our efforts. I am highly inspired to see such a high number of MPs are present here today to revisit the commitment and realize the PM’s vision.”

Representatives from National Tobacco Control Cell and officials from various government and non-government organizations, including World Health Organization, were present at the conference.

MR/GY