CA for making youth aware of tobacco's harmful effects

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus today (30 May) called for making the country's youth aware of the harmful effects of tobacco products to keep those at bay.

"All types of tobacco products are seriously harmful to health. More than one lakh people die every year worldwide from various complex and fatal diseases including heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory diseases, asthma, diabetes and others due to tobacco consumption," he said in a message on the eve of World No Tobacco Day-2025.

Country is going to observe the day tomorrow as elsewhere in the world with the theme "Let's expose the tricks of tobacco companies, build a tobacco and nicotine-free Bangladesh."

The chief adviser in his message further said the tobacco companies are constantly marketing new tobacco products in attractive packaging and designs to entice the younger generation to consume tobacco, adding, "We need to make our youth aware of the harmful effects of tobacco to keep them away from tobacco products."

"The interim government formed through the July mass uprising has already completely banned the import of e-cigarettes and related products, increased taxes on conventional tobacco products, and taken steps to amend and strengthen the Tobacco Control Act 2005 to align it with the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)," he further said.

Emphasising the active participation of all levels of citizens, including doctors, professionals, media, civil society, non-governmental organisations, and others, the chief adviser said it is essential to realise the great goal of building a tobacco-free Bangladesh. 

"I believe that with the combined efforts of all, the next generation will be free from the devastating effects of tobacco and nicotine," he stated.

Yunus wished all the programmes on the day a success.