Doctors advocate for stricter tobacco control to combat non-communicable diseases

A growing number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes in Bangladesh have been linked to the use of tobacco products, according to medical experts.

They made the remark at a workshop titled "Empowering Young Physicians for Tobacco Control in Bangladesh" organised by the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute today (28 September).

Prof Dr Khandaker Abdul Awal Rizvi, president of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, presided over the event, while Prof Fazila-Tun-Nesa Malik, secretary general, welcomed the attendees.

Prof Fazila-Tun-Nesa Malik highlighted the increasing rate of heart attacks among young people in Bangladesh, with tobacco use being a significant contributing factor.

She also urged young physicians to play a proactive role in educating the public about the harmful effects of tobacco and advocating for tobacco control measures.

In the keynote speech, Prof. Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Epidemiology & Research Department at the NHFB, warned about the growing influence of tobacco companies promoting e-cigarettes, particularly targeting the youth, through misleading marketing strategies. He stressed the need for a complete ban on all forms of e-cigarettes, including vapes and heated tobacco products, citing their severe health risks.

Prof Safiun Nahin Shimul from Dhaka University's Institute of Health Economics highlighted the relatively low cost of cigarettes in Bangladesh, suggesting that a drastic increase in cigarette prices, coupled with effective taxation, is essential to curb smoking rates and generate government revenue.

Ataur Rahman Masud, advocacy manager of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Bangladesh, discussed the tobacco industry's aggressive efforts to attract youth by sponsoring programs and creating designated smoking areas in restaurants.

In group discussions, young doctors attending the workshop put forward four key recommendations for controlling tobacco use: increasing taxes on tobacco products, strengthening existing TC laws, halting tobacco company advertising campaigns, and instituting a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and vapes.

Mostafizur Rahman, lead policy adviser of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Bangladesh, Sharf Uddin Ahmed Choudhury, adviser to the NHFB's Tobacco Control Program, and medical students were present at this event.