Research-based policymaking essential for effective tobacco control: PPRC Executive Chair Zillur
Zillur Rahman described the recent amendments to the tobacco control law as a positive development, adding although not all demands were met at once, it marked an important first step
Effective progress in tobacco control is not possible without research-driven and evidence-based policymaking, said Hossain Zillur Rahman, executive chairman of the private research organisation Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC).
He made the remarks today (29 December) while speaking as the chief guest at the dissemination event of the study titled Tobacco Industry Interference Index: Bangladesh 2025 at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka.
The event was organised by research and advocacy organisation PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) in collaboration with the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA).
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Zillur added, "Misinformation, undue pressure and interference by the tobacco industry continue to weaken policymaking, thereby impeding meaningful progress in tobacco control."
Presenting key findings of the study, he said, "Tobacco use causes an estimated annual economic loss of around Tk87,000 crore in Bangladesh across the health and environmental sectors."
He noted that the impact extends beyond public health, with tobacco production and consumption contributing directly to environmental degradation.
Emphasising the importance of safeguarding young people, Zillur said building a healthy society requires keeping the younger generation free from tobacco and tobacco-related addiction.
He warned that tobacco often serves as a gateway to other harmful dependencies, posing long-term risks to society.
Addressing the issue of industry interference, he said while industries may place legitimate demands, attempts to secure policy advantages through misleading information and unreasonable pressure are unacceptable and run counter to the public interest.
Describing the recent passage of amendments to the tobacco control law as a positive step, Zillur said that although all demands were not met at once, the move marked an important beginning.
He stressed the need for prompt gazette notification to ensure effective implementation.
He also cautioned that decisions taken at the highest policymaking level should not be reversed, urging civil society and the media to remain vigilant and continue monitoring the process.
