The Mothers' Forum Against Tobacco on Wednesday called for the rapid passage of the proposed amendments to the Tobacco Control Law, citing the harmful impact of secondhand smoke on mothers and children. The demand was made during the formation meeting of the Anti-Tobacco Mothers' Forum, organized by Nari Maitree at Krishibid Institute Bangladesh. Eighteen mothers at the event raised awareness about the dangers of smoking, both direct and secondhand, and to push for stronger tobacco control measures. The forum emphasized that passive smoking poses a significant health risk to women and children, even if they do not smoke themselves. Shivani Bhattacharya, former Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare, convened the meeting, which was co-convened by Shahnaz Begum Poly, management committee member of the National Press Club, and Afsana Nowrin. Shaheen Akter Dolly, Executive Director of Nari Maitree, chaired the event. Prioritise harm reduction in battling tobacco addiction: speakers Abdus Salam Mia, Programs Manager at Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Bangladesh, highlighted the urgent need for the government to act swiftly. During the meeting, Nari Maitree’s project coordinator, Nasrin Akter, presented alarming data, revealing that 37.8 million people in Bangladesh use tobacco, with an estimated 442 deaths per day from tobacco-related diseases. The forum called for the immediate approval of the Ministry of Health’s proposed amendments to the Tobacco Control Law, which include eliminating smoking areas in public places, banning tobacco product displays at points of sale, prohibiting corporate social responsibility activities by tobacco companies, and restricting the marketing of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Other key provisions include banning loose sales of tobacco products and increasing the size of pictorial health warnings on tobacco packaging from 50% to 90%. Convener Shivani Bhattacharya pointed out that 38.4 million people in Bangladesh, predominantly women and children, are exposed to secondhand smoke, which leads to serious health issues such as miscarriages, premature births, low birth weight, and stillbirths. The forum pledged to provide ongoing support in pushing for the passage of the amendments and to work tirelessly to educate mothers on the dangers of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. The forum also stressed the importance of effective taxation on tobacco products and urged the National Board of Revenue and the Ministry of Finance to take action. Abdus Salam Miah underscored the role of mothers in protecting young people from tobacco addiction, which is becoming more common among teenagers. Citing a World Health Organization Global Youth Tobacco Survey, he noted that nearly 12% of Bangladeshi adolescents aged 13 to 15 are regular smokers. Notable attendees included writer and columnist Sapna Reza, News Editor of Views Bangladesh Maria Salam, Senior Reporter of Ittefaq Rabia Hossain Baby, President of Kheya Women and Child Development Organization Farzana Shammi, and mothers from diverse professional backgrounds.

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common yet uncomfortable and often embarrassing problem that can affect anyone. While it can stem from various causes, understanding and addressing these issues can help you maintain fresh breath. This article explores natural solutions to keep your breath fresh and your confidence high. Embrace these home remedies to enjoy fresh, pleasant breath every day! Common Causes of Bad Breath Poor Oral Hygiene Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath globally. Inadequate brushing and flossing can leave food particles in the mouth, which bacteria break down, causing unpleasant odors. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can build up if teeth are not brushed regularly, contributing significantly to bad breath. Certain Foods and Drinks Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and spices, have strong odors that can linger in the mouth. Beverages like coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath. Read more: How to Keep Your Skin Healthy During Monsoon Dry Mouth Saliva helps cleanse the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque and washing away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. When saliva production is reduced, these cells break down and result in bad breath. Conditions like xerostomia (dry mouth) can exacerbate this issue. Tobacco Products Smoking and the use of other tobacco products can leave chemicals that cause a persistent odor. Tobacco also affects oral health, contributing to gum disease and other dental issues that can cause bad breath. Medical Conditions Several medical conditions can contribute to bad breath, including: - Respiratory infections - Gastrointestinal problems - Diabetes - Liver or kidney disease. Read more: Circadian Rhythm: How to Reset the Biological Master Clock Dental Issues Gum disease, cavities, and oral infections can all contribute to bad breath. Bacteria that accumulate in cavities or pockets formed by gum disease can produce foul-smelling odors. Medications Certain medications can cause dry mouth, leading to bad breath. Additionally, some medications break down in the body to release chemicals that can be carried on your breath. Mouth, Nose, and Throat Conditions Infections or chronic inflammation in the nose, sinuses, or throat, which can contribute to postnasal drip, can also result in bad breath. Read more: What is Autism spectrum disorder? Why is Autism Awareness Important? Poor Diet Low-carb diets can cause a condition called ketosis, which produces fruity-smelling breath due to the breakdown of fats in the body. Home Remedies for Bad Breath Practice Good Oral Hygiene Maintaining solid oral hygiene is crucial for fresh breath. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes. Clean your tongue daily using a tongue scraper or toothbrush to remove bacteria and food particles. Additionally, flossing daily is necessary to eliminate food particles and plaque between teeth, preventing bacterial growth and ensuring a clean mouth. Stay Hydrated Dehydration is a major contributor to bad breath. Drinking plenty of water is essential as it helps keep your mouth moist and promotes saliva production. Saliva washes away food particles and bacteria, preventing bad breath. Read more: Cerebral Haemorrhage: Signs, Reasons, Treatment, and Prevention Use a Natural Mouth Rinse Combat bad breath with homemade mouth rinses. For a baking soda rinse, mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water; it neutralizes odors and kills bacteria. Alternatively, use an apple cider vinegar rinse by mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Both options effectively freshen your breath. Salt Water Rinse This is a simple and effective way to freshen your breath. Mix ½ teaspoon of table salt with a cup of warm water. Swish thoroughly for 30 seconds and spit. The salt helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria and eliminate odor-causing microbes. Chew Fresh Herbs Chewing on fresh herbs like mint (pudina) can help mask bad odors and promote fresh breath. These herbs contain chlorophyll, known for its deodorizing properties, making them effective natural remedies for maintaining pleasant breath. Incorporate these herbs into your daily routine for a fresher, cleaner mouth. Read more: How Does Fat Leave the Body When We Lose Weight? Spice Up Your Breath Certain spices common in Bangladeshi cuisine can be surprisingly helpful. Briefly chew on a clove, fennel seeds, or coriander seeds. These spices have natural antibacterial properties and leave a refreshing taste. Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and cucumbers can help clean teeth and stimulate saliva production. These foods act as natural toothbrushes, effectively scraping away plaque and food particles, promoting better oral hygiene and fresher breath. Incorporate these healthy snacks into your diet to maintain a cleaner mouth naturally. Use Essential Oils Essential oils with antibacterial properties can help fight bad breath. For instance, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash. Clove oil can be used similarly to peppermint oil, providing a natural and effective way to maintain fresh breath and reduce oral bacteria. Read more: Measles: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention Probiotics Probiotics aid in regulating the balance of bacteria within the oral cavity and digestive tract. Probiotic foods like yogurt can promote good bacteria and enhance oral health. Include yogurt in your diet to benefit from its probiotic properties, leading to fresher breath and a healthier mouth. Maintain Regular Dental Check-ups Regular dental appointments play a critical role in preserving oral well-being. Professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar that you might miss with regular brushing and flossing. Your dentist can also identify any potential issues that are causing bad breath. Additional Tips for Fresh Breath - Avoid sugary foods and drinks - Quit smoking - Chew sugar-free gum - Use a tongue scraper - Stay away from alcohol-based mouthwashes - Regular dental check-ups. Read more: Colon Cancer: Everything You Need to Know Conclusion Bad breath can be a nuisance, but with the right home remedies, you can overcome this issue. Maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and using natural remedies can keep your breath fresh and your confidence intact. Remember, if bad breath persists despite trying these remedies, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. In such cases, it is best to consult a healthcare professional. By addressing the root causes and adopting these natural solutions, you can enjoy fresh, pleasant breath every day.

The Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) has proposed a 70 percent tax on all types of cigarettes and tobacco in the next budget. The association reckons that doing so will reduce smoking by about 66 percent, alongside generating revenue of Tk1,700 crore for state coffers. The proposal was submitted to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) during the pre-budget discussion held at the NBR Building on Sunday (February 18). The General Secretary of the BEA Professor Dr. Md. Aynul Islam presented the budget proposal. Vice President of the association Professor Hannana Begum was present. Read more: Govt cut VAT, duty on import of 4 essential items ahead of Ramadan According to the BEA's proposal, imposing a single supplementary duty of 70 percent on all types of cigarettes would increase the price of cigarettes by an average of 130 percent. Smoking will be reduced by 66 percent. About 70 lakh smokers will quit smoking, and about 71 lakh young people will stop habituating to smoking. Also, the additional tax revenue of the government will be earned at least Tk1700 crores, the proposal stated. Similarly, the BEA demanded to impose a tax of 70 percent on all types of tobacco products including smokeless tobacco such as jorda, gul, sadapata, etc. On the other hand, in the case of bidi, if the tax is imposed at the rate of Tk 4.90 on the retail price of every 25 shalak (piece) packet, the government will be able to collect additional revenue of Tk 800 crore. Read more: ICMAB delegation takes part in pre-budget discussion with NBR The BEA thinks with such a tax increase; revenue earning will be raised and it would help to revive the economy from the ongoing economic crisis. The BEA has a total of 27 new sources of revenue income. At this time, Prof Aynul said, as a method of gathering resources for the upcoming budget, no pressure can be applied on the general population, such as the poor, lower class, lower middle class, and middle class. Due to various reasons, this class of people is now in a severe economic crisis. It would be unfair at this moment to rely completely on them as in the past for tax collection. In that case, the imposition of additional income tax on these three groups – the super-rich, the rich, and the upper-middle class – can be considered, said Prof Aynul. Read more: PROGGA, ATMA for imposing specific taxes on tobacco products

A new study published in the British Medical Journal’s Tobacco Control journal has highlighted the importance of monitoring the tobacco industry’s interference in the formulation and implementation of graphic health warnings. The study titled “Tobacco industry interference to undermine the development and implementation of graphic health warnings in Bangladesh” examined the tobacco industry’s efforts to “delay and weaken” the implementation of graphic health warnings (GHWs) in Bangladesh. The study found that the Bangladesh Cigarette Manufacturers’ Association (BCMA) was the most active industry actor in interfering with the process, reads a media release sent by PROGGA. Also Read: Amend tobacco law in line with WHO guideline, speakers urge govt British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) was most active and the only company that acted alone to thwart GHW implementation, according to the study. The study urges the government of Bangladesh to adopt WHO FCTC Article 5.3 Guidelines and to make their implementation a policy priority. The paper was co-authored by Professor Anna B Gilmore, Director of the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath; Dr Britta K Matthes, Research Associate in the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath; and four tobacco control advocates from PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), a Bangladesh-based anti-tobacco research and advocacy organization – ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA, Md Hasan Shahriar, Head of Programs, Md Shahedul Alam, Head of Advocacy, and Md Mehedi Hasan, Media Manager of Tobacco Control Program.      

Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque on Wednesday said it is necessary to strengthen the tobacco control law to achieve the goal of a tobacco-free Bangladesh. He also said the initiative to fortify the tobacco control law to curb tobacco use is a timely one. The minister came up with the comments during a meeting with a delegation from research and advocacy organization PROGGA and ATMA (Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance) at the Secretariat, said a press release. Read: Fallow lands to be brought under cultivation: Agriculture Minister The meeting was organised to inform the minister about the progress made by the Health Ministry in amending the tobacco control law and the potential role that the Agriculture Ministry can play in the process. Dr Abdur Razzaque said his ministry has full support for the Health Ministry's proposals for tobacco control law amendment. The delegation of PROGGA and ATMA informed the minister that currently the prevalence of tobacco use stands at 35.3 percent (37.8 million) of the adult population (15 y/o and above). They said the tobacco-induced deaths and diseases cost the economy dearly since the financial toll is much higher than the revenue generated from tobacco sector. Read: No famine risk in Bangladesh right now: Agriculture Minister Realizing the extent of tobacco’s devastation, the Prime Minister voiced her commitment to build a tobacco-free country by 2040 and accordingly provided the directive to bring time-fitting changes to the tobacco control law, they observed.  Following clear directive from the PM, the Health Ministry took the initiative to amend the law.

The Bangladesh Supermarket Owners' Association (BSOA) have demanded quick approval of the proposed amendment to the Tobacco Control Act. Recently the health ministry has prepared a draft for further revision of the Tobacco Control Act 2005. The BSOA leaders were speaking at a joint discussion with Dhaka Ahsania Mission Sunday in Dhaka, according to a media statement. BSOA Chief Advisor and Founder President Niaz Rahim said the government has set a target to make the country tobacco-free by 2040. Read: HC reconstitutes Destiny board of directors "We hope the amended law will be passed soon and the government's vision will be implemented." Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Bangladesh Lead Policy Advisor Md Mostafizur Rahman said the current Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act 2005 completely prohibits the advertising and promotion of tobacco products. However, the existing law does not specifically prohibit the display of tobacco products at the point of sales, he added. "Tobacco companies are mainly advertising and promoting tobacco products through the exhibition of their products at the sales centres." So, the health ministry recently formulated a draft for further revision of the Tobacco Control Act, Mostafizur said.

Bangladesh's goal of becoming a tobacco-free country by 2040 will be hindered if e-cigarettes are banned, experts said Thursday. They were speaking at the webinar "Save Vaping, Save Bangladesh" organised by the Bangladesh-based Voices of Vapers. The experts addressed the recent proposal to ban vape and other alternative and heat-not-burn tobacco products in a new amendment to the country's tobacco control legislation.  Dr Delon Human, president of Health Diplomats and an expert on harm reduction, said there is no evidence for the statement that nicotine in vapes are more harmful than cigarettes, as claimed by the National Tobacco Control Cell.  "There needs to be a credible harm reduction strategy as practised by many developed countries," he added.  "The authorities must consider regulating a safer alternative such as vape and make it accessible to smokers wanting to quit." Read: BENDSTA for scrapping vape ban from draft Tobacco Control Amendment bill Schumann Zaman, president of Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Traders Association (BENDSTA), said not recognising vape traders and vape users as stakeholders will have major consequences as many of these vapers are using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool. John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, said vapes should be regulated separately because vapes and cigarettes are different products.  "In fact, vapes are far safer and a proven method of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Regulating vapes will help smokers who are trying to quit have access to vapes," he added. "Countries such as the UK, France, New Zealand and Canada have successfully lowered smoking rates by using vaping as NRT. Banning vapes will lower the number of smokers trying to quit."

World No Tobacco Day will be observed in the country on Tuesday as elsewhere in the globe. The theme of the World No Tobacco Day for 2022 as set by the World Health Organization (WHO) is “Tobacco: Threat to our environment.” This theme is particularly relevant for Bangladesh and other developing countries where 90 percent of all tobacco production is concentrated, said a press release from PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), an anti-tobacco platform. The President and thePrime Minister have issued separate messages on the occasion. Also read: 18 anti-tobacco groups want duty hike on tobacco products President Abdul Hamid called upon the government as well as civil society members, professional organizations, non-governmental organizations and the media to make concerted efforts to save people, especially the younger generation, from the dangers of smoking and tobacco. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “At the South Asian Speakers Summit 2018, I announced that Bangladesh will be tobacco free by 2040. Our government is working relentlessly towards that goal as we need healthy and strong population to build a developed and prosperous Bangladesh." Tobacco causes over 84 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually and creates the world’s most littered item, cigarette butts. Bangladesh ranks 14th in the world on the basis of area used for tobacco cultivation, 12th for tobacco production in quantity, and holds a share of 1.3% of global tobacco production. According to Tobacco Atlas, tobacco cultivation accounts for 31 percent of deforestation in Bangladesh. The use of tobacco causes around 161,000 deaths in Bangladesh a year. It has been ranked as the fourth major contributing factors behind premature deaths in the country. Also read: Experts want THR in tobacco control plans PROGGA suggests amending existing tobacco control law, hiking cigarette and tobacco product prices imposing specific excise taxes, divesting government’s investment from British American Tobacco, promoting alternative farming and livelihood options, expediting the adoption of a code of conduct in line with FCTC Article 5.3 for all government officials as necessary measures to curb the prevalence of tobacco use.

Some 18 anti-tobacco organizations have backed the demands for increasing the supplementary duty on all types of tobacco products in the upcoming national budget for the FY2022-23.The demand was made at a solidarity rally held in front of the National Press Club on Sunday.Specific taxation, increase in government revenue and protection of public health have been the highlights of the campaign.The rally, with Helal Uddin Ahmed of Prottasha in the chair, was addressed, among others, by Nasir Uddin of Vital Strategy, Farhana Zaman Lizar of Tobacco Control Research Cell (TCRC), Khalil Ullah of NATAB, Shariful Islam of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and Dr. Farhana Rahman, Seema Das Shimu, Rubina Islam and, and Barrister Jewel Sarkar. Also read: Experts want THR in tobacco control plansThe speakers said that raising the price of tobacco products through increased taxes is an internationally pursued method to discourage tobacco use.But due to lack of effective taxation, tobacco products are becoming very cheap and readily available in Bangladesh.They observed that the existing tobacco tax system has not been able to play a fully supportive role in achieving the 'Tobacco Free Bangladesh' promised by the prime minister.They also pointed out that every year more than 1 lakh 61 thousand people die and 3 lakh 62 thousand people become disabled due to tobacco use in Bangladesh.In the 2017-18 financial year the economic loss (loss of medical expenses and productivity) of tobacco use was Tk 30,560 crore and the revenue loss was Tk 22,810 crore. The net loss is about Tk 8,000 crore. Also read: Stop interference of tobacco companies in tax process: speakers urge govtThe leaders of the anti-tobacco groups handed over a memorandum to the chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) containing their demands.The organizations participating in the solidarity rally are: Bangladesh Center for Communication Program (BCCP), Aid Foundation, Bureau of Economic Research (Dhaka University), Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Development Activists of Society (DAS), Development Organisatio of Rural Poor, Gram Bangla Development Committee, Manas, National Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Bangladesh (NATAB), National Heart Foundation, Knowledge for Progress (Wisdom), Health Protection Foundation, Tobacco Control Research Cell (TCRC), Anti-Tobacco Women's Alliance, Development Coordination, Voice of Work for Better Bangladesh (VWBB Trust) and Prattasha Anti-Drug Organization.

Experts at an event Sunday urged policymakers to incorporate a tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategy into their tobacco control plans and establish safer alternatives such as vaping products. To commemorate World Vape Day 2022, Voice of Vapers Bangladesh organised the panel discussion "The Need for a Tobacco Harm Reduction Strategy: Achieving the Government's Health Agenda and Revenue Ambitions" in Dhaka.  Dr Delon Human, president of Health Diplomats and an expert on harm reduction, said: "To achieve a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040, there needs to be a credible harm reduction strategy as practised by many developed countries. The authorities must consider regulating safer alternatives such as vaping and make them accessible to smokers wanting to quit."  Dr Altamash Mahmood, core faculty member (public health nutrition) at the Bangladesh Open University, said: "Cigarettes are harmful, but nicotine is not. This is because smoking involves combustion that creates tar and other toxicants. Vaping only heats the liquid to create vapour to deliver nicotine. It does not induce second-hand smoking." Schumann Zaman, president of Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Systems Traders Association, talked about how vaping can help the government achieve its health agenda along with its revenue ambitions.  "We need to capitalise on this by regulating the vaping industry; ensuring that the right products brought through the right channels are made accessible. This can only be achieved if a THR strategy is adopted, curated for adult smokers looking to quit, along with the enactment of sensible regulations."   Also read: Bangladesh slightly improves in global tobacco tax index