Policymakers and health experts are set to form a new platform aiming to raise their voice against use of tobacco and suggest policy measures.
 A 10-member steering committee for the platform has already been formed comprising lawmakers, hearth experts, lawyers and journalists.
The move to form the platform has been initiated under the leadership of Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP, also president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
 The aim of the platform is to frame a national tobacco control policy, guide the government through their cooperation, set a national goal to control tobacco consumption and build a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040.
 "We have taken the initiative for the sake of public health. A joint statement has already been submitted to the Finance Minister for consideration in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year," Mr Chowdhury said.
 There is a possibility of decline in revenue collection with an increase in tax rates of tobacco which is meaningless, he said, adding that it is not logical to help the tobacco industry survive as they are selling health hazardous products.
 The price of tobacco is the lowest in Bangladesh. Although Bangladesh is the first signatory to the FCTC, tobacco-affected people are higher here as it is consumed in different forms -- smokeless and smoking tobacco.
 Upward adjustment to price slabs of tobacco items does not benefit the government, he said. "We have suggested that the government abolish the price slabs in the upcoming budget."
 Mr Chowdhury also said: "Excise duty of specific rates of tax should be imposed on tobacco."
 Existing one per cent 'health development surcharge' can be utilised to help and rehabilitate the victims of tobacco, he added.
 doulot_akter@yahoo.com
Move to form anti-tobacco platform
Doulot Akter Mala | Published: June 01, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2024 06:01:00
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