Journalists called for the swift passage of amendments to the Tobacco Control Law during a roundtable discussion on Thursday.
The discussion titled "The Role of Journalists in Making a Tobacco-Free Bangladesh: Expectations and Actions" organised by Nari Maitree, non-governmental development organisation, held at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro.
The event aimed to address urgent amendments to the law and to encourage journalists to take an active role in controlling tobacco use.
Shaheen Akter Dolly, Executive Director of Nari Maitree, presided over the session, bringing her expertise in advocating for women's rights and public health, thus offering valuable insights into the discussions.
Professor Dr. Golam Mohiuddin Faruque, an oncologist and President of the Bangladesh Cancer Society, and Mostafizur Rahman provided key perspectives on the ongoing efforts to control tobacco use in Bangladesh.
Nasrin Akter, Project Coordinator at Nari Maitree, delivered the main presentation, addressing critical issues related to youth addiction to e-cigarettes.
Other participants included Rashed Rabbi, President of the Health Reporters Forum; Shamim Mehedi, Chief Executive Officer of Global TV; Sohrab Hasan, Joint Editor of Prothom Alo; Shahnaz Begum Polly, Member of the Executive Committee of the National Press Club; and Zulhas Alam, Dhaka Bureau Chief of the New York-based international news agency, Associated Press (AP), and a member of the Executive Committee of the National Press Club.
Sushanta K Sinha, Special Correspondent of Ekattor Television, warned against the deceptive tactics of tobacco companies, and praised the Ministry of Health for its timely and public-friendly initiative to amend the Tobacco Control Law. He also urged caution, noting that tobacco companies may attempt to spread false information as the law awaits approval.
Rashed Rabbi highlighted that the cost of treating tobacco-related diseases is 34% higher than the revenue generated from tobacco sales, reinforcing the need for stronger laws.
Sohrab Hasan underscored the urgency of strengthening tobacco control laws to prevent further loss of life due to tobacco’s harmful effects, while Shamim Mehedi pointed to the rising addiction to e-cigarettes among youth and the importance of halting their marketing.
Mostafizur Rahman noted the devastating impact of tobacco, which is responsible for 161,000 deaths annually in Bangladesh. He emphasised the critical role the media must play in advocating for stronger tobacco control laws.
Professor Dr. Golam Mohiuddin Faruque added that tobacco is responsible for nearly one-third of all cancer-related deaths globally, significantly increasing the risk of lung, pancreatic, and oral cancers.
Shaheen Akter Dolly concluded by noting that around 38.4 million people in Bangladesh are exposed to secondhand smoke each year, with women and children being the most affected.