A growing number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes in Bangladesh have been linked to the use of tobacco products, according to medical experts.
At a workshop titled "Empowering Young Physicians for Tobacco Control in Bangladesh," organized by the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute today, they made the remark.
Prof. Dr. Khandaker Abdul Awal Rizvi, President of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, presided over the event, while Prof. Fazila-Tun-Nesa Malik, Secretary General, welcomed the attendees.
She highlighted the increasing rate of heart attacks among young people in Bangladesh, with tobacco use being a significant contributing factor.
She also urged young physicians to play a proactive role in educating the public about the harmful effects of tobacco and advocating for tobacco control measures.
In the keynote speech, Prof. Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Epidemiology & Research Department at the NHFB, warned about the growing influence of tobacco companies promoting e-cigarettes, particularly targeting the youth, through misleading marketing strategies. He stressed the need for a complete ban on all forms of e-cigarettes, including vapes and heated tobacco products, citing their severe health risks.
Prof. Safiun Nahin Shimul from Dhaka University's Institute of Health Economics highlighted the relatively low cost of cigarettes in Bangladesh, suggesting that a drastic increase in cigarette prices, coupled with effective taxation, is essential to curb smoking rates and generate government revenue.
Ataur Rahman Masud, advocacy manager of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Bangladesh, discussed the tobacco industry’s aggressive efforts to attract youth by sponsoring programs and creating designated smoking areas in restaurants.
In group discussions, young doctors attending the workshop put forward four key recommendations for controlling tobacco use: increasing taxes on tobacco products, strengthening existing TC laws, halting tobacco company advertising campaigns, and instituting a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and vapes.
Mostafizur Rahman, Lead Policy Advisor of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Bangladesh, Sharf Uddin Ahmed Choudhury, Advisor to the NHFB’s Tobacco Control Program, and medical students were present at this event.