Limiting tobacco use

Everyone knows that tobacco consumption is fatal. Even so, the number of cigarette smokers is increasing day by day in Bangladesh. According to a study conducted recently, 1.4 per cent of our GDP is wasted due to tobacco consumption, while it also contributes to 13.5 per cent of fatalities. Growing accustomed to smoking is also usually the first step towards acquiring the habit of consuming drugs. Both chewed tobacco and smoked tobacco are dangerous for human health due to their toxic chemicals. The passive smokers, who inhale smoke of others' cigarette, are often the unfortunate sufferers of smoking. Also, no age is exempt from the ill-effects of smoking. In the circumstances, Bangladesh is all set to observe the World No-Tobacco Day today. The day is aimed at convincing smokers of quitting the habit through awareness.
Taxation on tobacco could potentially reduce the demand for tobacco products and increase the production cost, which could eventually limit the supply as well. But it has been found that cigarettes and raw tobacco product sales have, in fact, increased in Bangladesh. Thus, taxing tobacco should not be the only way to control smoking. Other awareness campaigns should be implemented to curb tobacco consumption. The authorities concerned should consider launching programmes to try and discourage people from using tobacco.

Afroza Sheikh,
Dania, Dhaka,
ilcbd2008@gmail.com