Md Humayun Kabir Khandakar, secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; has assured to take initiatives to stop display of smoking scenes in films, dramas, films, web series aired on OTT platforms.
He made the assurance in response to the request of a delegation of Madhakdrobya O Nesha Nirodh Songstha (Association for the Prevention of Drug Abuse- MANAS). The MANAS delegation held a meeting with the secretary at Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (June 11).
Humayun Kabir Khandakar said that legal action will be taken soon to stop the display of smoking scenes in films and dramas. Instructions will be given to the relevant departments of the ministry to prevent violation of laws in this regard. “It is necessary to work together to implement the Prime Minister’s announcement to make Bangladesh tobacco free by 2040,” he added.
Professor Dr. Arup Ratan Choudhury, founder president of MANAS; led the delegation, Umme Jannat, project coordinator of MANAS; and Md. Abu Rayhan, project officer of the organisation, were present in the delegation.
Dr. Arup Ratan Choudhury said that the number of drug addicts in the country is increasing at an alarming rate and one of the main reasons is the uncontrolled use of tobacco products. Youths are becoming victims of tobacco use.
The Prime Minister has announced to make Bangladesh tobacco free and law was enacted to control tobacco. However, actors and producers of films, dramas and web series broadcast on television, social media and OTT platforms are flouting the law, he alleged.
He said that immediate steps should be taken to stop smoking scenes in dramas, films and web series for the sake of youths. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Film Censor Board and other officials need to pay more attention to this.
