President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday emphasised that widespread public awareness and strict enforcement of the law are crucial to prevent tobacco addiction and protect public health.
In a message marking the ‘World No-Tobacco Day’, President Shahabuddin said Tobacco cultivation, processing and the use of tobacco products are extremely harmful to public health, the environment and the economy.
"Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of various life-threatening diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes,” he said.
He said nearly 200,000 people die every year in Bangladesh from tobacco-related diseases, which put a heavy burden on families and impede national development.
“Many young people are becoming addicted to smoking due to the attractive promotional campaigns of tobacco companies,” he added.
The President expressed the hope that the proper implementation and
strict enforcement of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control)
(Amendment) Act, 2026 would play an important role in protecting
women, children and the younger generation from the harmful effects of tobacco.
He urged the administration, civil society, relevant organisations and the mass-media to work in a coordinated manner to raise awareness against tobacco use.
He wished every success to all programmes undertaken on the occasion the ‘World No-Tobacco Day 2026’.