Call to free hospitality sector from tobacco uses

Utmost emphasis should be given on freeing the hospitality sector from tobacco uses for the sake of protecting people from various deadly diseases caused by tobacco consumption, reports BSS.

As the consequence of tobacco use is dangerous to public health, time has come to create mass-awareness against its uses in all public places and transports and hospitality sector substantially.

Professional and business leaders and development activists made these observations along with raising voice against tobacco uses while taking part in open discussion of an orientation titled "Tobacco Free Hospitality Sector Strategy" in Rajshahi city on Sunday.

Association for Community Development (ACD) and Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) jointly hosted the meeting at Nanking Darbar Hall in association with Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK).

Deputy Commissioner SM Abdul Kader and Additional Deputy Commissioner Abu Hayat Rahmatullah addressed the meeting as the chief and special guests respectively.

Director of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industries Sadrul Islam presided over the event.

DAM Project Coordinator Mukhlesur Rahman gave an overview of the strategy in his keynote paper presentation while ACD Executive Director Salima Sarwar welcomed the participants.

Chief Health Officer of Rajshahi City Corporation Dr AFM Anjuman Ara Begum and CTFK Grants Manager Abdus Salam also spoke.

In his remarks, District Administrator Abdul Kader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already declared that the country would be freed from tobacco uses by 2040. All quarters should extend their whole-hearted support to make the announcement a total success within the stipulated time, he added.