In the lead-up to World No Tobacco Day, experts and advocates have raised serious concerns about the tobacco industry’s relentless targeting of youth.
At a virtual press conference jointly hosted by PROGGA and ATMA, speakers called for strong government action to amend tobacco control laws and protect the younger generation from falling into lifelong addiction.
Speakers revealed alarming data showing tobacco marketing near schools, with retailers placing tobacco products beside sweets and soft drinks. E-cigarettes and vapes, often disguised as everyday items and sold in enticing flavors, are designed to lure youth.
Experts urged the government to finalize amendments to the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act 2013, reduce cigarette price tiers, divest public investments in tobacco companies, and ban tobacco promotions on social media. They also emphasized enforcing WHO FCTC Article 5.3 to prevent industry interference.
The event featured speakers from health, academia, and civil society, all unified under this year’s theme: “Unmask Tobacco Industry Tactics, Build a Tobacco and Nicotine-Free Bangladesh.”
