The establishment of the 'Anti-Tobacco Parliamentary Women's Forum' has been announced to combat tobacco usage and enhance tobacco control laws.
This forum, initiated with the vision of achieving a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040 as declared by the Prime Minister, marks a pivotal moment in the nation's public health agenda.
The inaugural session of the forum unfolded at the Sonargaon hotel under the leadership of Shaheen Aktar Dolly, Executive Director of Nari Maitree.
Hosted by Nari Maitree, the gathering was designed to unite female members of the parliament, galvanising their collective efforts towards advocating for robust tobacco control measures.
The Anti-Tobacco Parliamentary Women's Forum is a dynamic coalition of female MPs, united in their mission to combat tobacco use and promote public health in Bangladesh.
Through legislative advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and strategic partnerships, the forum endeavours to effect meaningful change and create a tobacco-free society for future generations.
At the meeting, Shabnam Jahan Shila, Member of Parliament for Women's Seat-24, was appointed as the convener of the forum, which consists of thirteen distinguished members representing various constituencies. Members include Mahfuza Sultana (Seat-6), Jara Jabin Mahbub (Seat-7), Parveen Jaman (Seat-9), Sheikh Anar Koli Putul (Seat-30), Sanjida Khanam (Seat-32), Masuda Siddiqi Rozi (Seat-34), Farida Yasmin (Seat-35), Nazma Aktar (Seat-37), Laila Parveen (Seat-13),Ashrafunnahar (Seat-44), Hasina Bari Chowdhury (Seat-31), and Anima Mukti Gomez (Seat-29).
Speakers at the meeting emphasised the urgent need for legislative amendments to the existing Tobacco Control Law, highlighting the grave health risks associated with both active and passive smoking.
Shaheen Akter Dolly, underscored the progress made by Members of the Parliament towards realising a tobacco-free Bangladesh. She reaffirmed their commitment to public health development and expressed optimism for future collaborative initiatives.
Mustafizur Rahman, former chairman of Bangladesh Chemical Industry Corporation and the Lead Policy Advisor for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Bangladesh, echoed the urgency of addressing tobacco-related mortality and underscored the need for heightened awareness to protect vulnerable population, particularly women and children, from tobacco-related harm.
As the forum sets its sights on future endeavours, including awareness campaigns and policy advocacy for the tobacco control law amendment, all the forum members of parliament remain committed to advancing the cause of tobacco control in Bangladesh.