Everyone must come forward to save the next generation by banning the sale of tobacco products in front of educational institutions. If necessary, the law needs to be amended for this purpose, said Akhtaruzzaman Babu, Parliament Member of Khulna-6 constituency.
He made the statement during a courtesy call on a delegation from the Dhaka Ahsania Mission's Tobacco Control Project at his office in NAM Bhaban on Monday.
The delegation was led by Dhaka Ahsania Mission Assistant Director Mohammad Mokhlesur Rahman.
The organization’s tobacco control Project Coordinator Mohammad Shariful Islam, Media Manager Rezaur Rahman Rizvi, Programme Officer Sharmin Akter Rini and Odut Rahman Emon were present during this time.
The delegation briefed the MP about the various activities of the Dhaka Ahsania Mission on tobacco control.
Md Akhtaruzzaman Babu, MP, told the delegation that a Member of Parliament does not only represent one seat, but also speaks on national issues.
“Since I have the opportunity, I will also speak in the National Assembly to amend the Tobacco Control Act. We all know that drug addiction begins from smoking. Therefore, if smoking can be controlled, the use of drugs can be reduced. The present government has adopted zero tolerance policy on drugs. In addition, all parties concerned should come forward and work for the implementation of the Prime Minister’s declaration to make the country tobacco-free by 2040,” he added.The delegation asked for the support of Md Akhtaruzzaman Babu in favor of the proposal to amend the necessary laws and increase the price of tobacco by increasing tax on tobacco products.
Akhtaruzzaman Babu thanked the delegation for their activities and assured necessary cooperation.
