Tobacco smoking causes at least six out of eight major non-communicable diseases, accounting for 442 fatalities every day in Bangladesh. Given the health risks, the Gazipur City Corporation has formally launched a drive to become a tobacco-free city.
In a discussion meeting held on Monday in Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) Conference Room, its Secretary Namita Dey, also a deputy secretary of the government, stated, "We are working to control tobacco products through mobile court operations in Gazipur City Corporation area. Going forward, the process of building a tobacco-free city will gain momentum."
The event, jointly organized by the Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP) and Gazipur City Corporation, focused on strengthening tobacco control initiatives.
In her speech, Namita Dey emphasized the need to regulate tobacco use through workshops and highlighted the severe impact of second-hand smoke, which is more harmful than direct smoking, particularly affecting women and children, according to a press release.
She also mentioned the high prevalence of white-leaf tobacco use among women, urging its prohibition.
The discussion included plans to issue a proclamation for a tobacco-free Gazipur City Corporation and deliberations on budget allocation to enhance tobacco control measures.
The keynote presentation, delivered by Rubina Islam, Programme Coordinator at DORP, outlined six key proposals aligned with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
