Tobacco a major barrier to Bangladesh's SDGs, NCD death reduction target: Experts
Every day, 442 lives are lost due to tobacco use on average, they say
Tobacco is a major barrier to Bangladesh's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the target of cutting one-third of premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 2030, according to experts.
They made the remarks at a roundtable discussion titled "Tobacco-Free Generation: Citizens' Views on Strengthening the Law" held today (20 September) at Cirdap Auditorium in the capital.
The event was organised by PROGGA–Knowledge for Progress and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA), where economists, doctors, public health specialists, and journalists unanimously called for immediate passage of the draft amendment to the Tobacco Control Act.
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According to data presented at the event, 71% of deaths in Bangladesh are caused by NCDs such as heart disease and cancer, with tobacco as a major driver. Every day, 442 lives are lost due to tobacco use on average.
The speakers also stressed that these deaths can be significantly reduced if the government enacts stronger tobacco control measures without delay.
While speaking as the chief guest, Hossain Zillur Rahman, economist and former adviser to the caretaker government, described tobacco as a "multidimensional harm" and said strengthening the law would be a "signature reform" for the government.
Prof Golam Mohiuddin Faruk, president of the Bangladesh Cancer Society, emphasised the urgency saying, "We have heard the cries of cancer victims. We must not let future generations suffer the same fate. The draft amendment must be passed without delay."
Other experts, including Dr Abu Jamil Faisal of the Bangladesh Public Health Association, Mahfuz Kabir of BIISS, and Anupam Hossain, an international sports development consultant, echoed the call.
They highlighted that strong legislation is critical not only to curb NCDs but also to prevent rising threats from e-cigarettes and vaping products, which they urged to be completely banned.
The speakers warned that tobacco industry interference must not be allowed to delay this crucial reform any further.
The draft amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, developed by the health ministry, proposes eliminating smoking zones in public places, banning tobacco product displays at points of sale, outlawing corporate social responsibility programmes by tobacco companies, prohibiting loose tobacco sales, and banning e-cigarettes and related products.
