Faruk Magura Correspondent:  A meeting of the District Task Force Committee on tobacco control was held in Magura to strengthen the enforcement of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act 2005 (Amended 2013). The meeting took place at 12:30 PM in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, organized by the Magura District Administration.

The meeting was chaired by Md. Ohidul Islam, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Magura.
Md. Akhtaruz-Zaman, official from the National Tobacco Control Cell, Dhaka, attended as the chief guest.

Other participants included government officials, health professionals, law enforcement, civil defense, education officers, and local journalists.

In his speech, the chief guest stressed the alarming impact of tobacco use on public health, the environment, and the economy.

• Over 161,000 deaths occur annually in Bangladesh due to tobacco-related diseases.
• 71% of deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases.
• More than 78 crore adults and 6.9% of minors use tobacco.
• Tobacco farming and waste contribute to deforestation, water use, and climate change.
• In 2023, tobacco-related healthcare costs were estimated at Tk 42,435.68 crore, surpassing tax revenues from the sector.

The meeting also reviewed key provisions of the law, including restrictions on public smoking, tobacco advertising, sales to minors, and the requirement for graphic warnings on packaging.

Officials pledged to intensify public awareness and ensure proper implementation of the law to reduce tobacco use and protect public health.