A discussion meeting was held at Dhaka University on Tuesday to discuss measures to protect public health from the harmful effects of tobacco and smoking and to ensure a tobacco- and smoke-free campus.

The meeting, titled “Dhaka University’s Legal Obligations to Ensure a Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Campus and the Role of DUJA,” was jointly organized by the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) and the Development Organization of the Rural Poor (DORP) at Arts Building of DU.

DUJA President Manjur Hossain Mahi chaired the meeting. Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Admin) Prof Dr. Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane attended as the chief guest, while Faculty of Arts Dean Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Sarker was present as a special guest.

Speaking at the event, Prof Alfasane said awareness initiatives should be accompanied by effective measures to protect young people from the harmful effects of tobacco and smoking.

He welcomed the initiative and said Dhaka University could play an important role in raising awareness against tobacco use, given its long-standing involvement in various social, cultural and democratic movements.

He stressed the need for effective monitoring to prevent the sale of tobacco products at residential halls and shops on campus. Any existing university approval or permission related to the sale of tobacco products should also be reviewed and necessary action taken, he said.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor also emphasized displaying anti-tobacco posters, leaflets and stickers at different locations on campus to increase awareness among students.

He said reducing tobacco use among young people required coordinated efforts by the university administration, students, teachers, journalists and relevant organizations. He assured that the university administration would provide necessary support if practical proposals were submitted by the organizers.

DORP Founder and CEO AHM Noman delivered the welcome address, while DUJA General Secretary Liton Islam outlined the objectives and background of the meeting. DORP Program Coordinator Jeba Afroz presented the keynote paper.

Md Abdus Salam Mia, Program Manager of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) Bangladesh, and Md Azhar Ali Talukder, DORP adviser and retired secretary, also spoke at the meeting.

The speakers discussed the health risks associated with tobacco and smoking, existing tobacco-control laws and regulations, the sale of tobacco products on campus, student awareness and the role of the media in tobacco control.

They emphasized the need for effective enforcement of laws and policies alongside regular awareness programs to ensure a tobacco-free educational environment.