'Create mass awareness to stop smoking'

They said awareness is more needed than law to stop smoking.

The daylong anti-tobacco orientation programme was organised by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) at its conference hall in the city in a bid to strengthen the anti-tobacco campaign across the country.

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Addressing the programme, Dr Arup Ratan Chowdhury, called upon both print and electronic media to come forward to spread anti-tobacco message across the country.

He criticised the tobacco companies for advertising their products in the guise of sponsorship.

Dr Arup said Tobacco Control Act, which is expected to be enacted soon, will be very effective to create a tobacco-free environment in the country.

Dhaka University Treasurer Professor Syed Rashedul Hasan laid emphasis on the involvement of smokers along side the non-smokers in the ongoing anti-tobacco campaign.

"From my experience, I can say that only self-intention is not enough to stop smoking, rather smoking-free environment is also needed," he added.

Rashedul Hasan said many smokers cannot give up the bad habit, although they are conscious about the bad effect of the smoking.

CAB President Dr Jafarulla Chowdhury urged the government to prohibit smoking in all public places.

Karmajibi Nari Parishad President Shirin Aktar, Chief of the Health Education Bureau Anwarul Islam Khan and CAB General Secretary Kazi Faruque also spoke.

CAB representatives from different districts were present at the orientation programme.