Ratify Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan formed a human chain at Shahbagh in the city yesterday demanding retification of the international Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. PHOTO: STAR

Member countries of the World Health Organisation adopted the historic treaty in May 2003 to control the use of tobacco that claims five million people each year around the world.

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA) organised the rally at Shahbagh in the city.

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The speakers urged the government to formulate laws to control tobacco considering its health hazards for the public.

They said smoking in open public places causes health hazards not only for the smokers but also for passive smokers.

The speakers said about two lakh hectares of forest land is being destroyed every year because of tobacco cultivation.

Besides, excessive use of chemical fertilizer and insecticides for tobacco cultivation decreases fertility of land and causes pollution of water and environment, they added.

The speakers said the government should move ahead to formulate tobacco control laws immediately for the greater interest of public health.

Presided over by BAPA General Secretary Abu Naser Khan, the rally was addressed by environmentalist Dr Nuruddin and Mihir Biswas.

Members of different NGOs including Hunger Project Bangladesh, Hunger Free World, Work for a Better Bangladesh, Green Force, Batikkram Manabkalyan Sangstha, Ubinig, Protyasha and Seba took part in the rally.