Call for enforcement of tobacco control law

RAJSHAHI, Oct 16 (BSS): Experts and development activists called for enforcement of the amended tobacco control law to free the public health from various non-contagious diseases caused by tobacco uses.

They viewed gross violation of the prevailing Tobacco Control Act continues in restricted areas including public places threatening public health. Frequent and indiscriminate smoking in public places and transports are affecting the non-smokers more than that of the direct smokers.

They mentioned that the role of health and sanitary inspectors is very important towards supplementing the efforts of successful enforcement of the law.

The observation came at an advocacy meeting titled "Sustainable Enforcement of Tobacco Control Law" recently.

Association for Community Development (ACD), a rights-based non-government entity, organised the meeting in order to create awareness among district and upazila level sanitary inspectors on the issue.

Discussants stressed on lodging regular cases with police station and mobile courts' drive frequently.

Chief Health Officer of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) Dr AFM Anzuman Ara Begum addressed the meeting as chief guest with ACD Executive Director Salima Sarwar in the chair.

District Sanitary Inspector Shah Alam, RCC Sanitary Inspectors Atiqul Islam, Upazila Health Inspectors Abdul Hannan and Abdus Salam, ACD Advocacy Officer Shariful Islam and Programme Officer Krishna Biswash also spoke.

In his concept paper presentation, Enhasul Amin Emon, program coordinator of ACD, narrated various demerits of smocking and uses of other smokeless tobacco products.