Big Tobacco Tiny Target Bangladesh Study report disseminated
Dhaka AhsaniaMission (DAM) disseminated the study report entitled “Big Tobacco Tiny Target Bangladesh” with the support of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) on 23 April 2019 at Tofazzol Hossain Manik Mia Hall (Ex VIP Lounge) of the National Press Club, Dhaka. Honorable Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education, Mr. Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, MP was present as Chief Guest while Ms. Roxana Kader, Additional Secretary, Local Government Division, Professor Dr. Syed Md. Golam Faruk, Director General, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), Mr. Md. Benajir Ahmmed, Dhaka District Education Officer; Abdul KayumTalukder, Vice President of Bangladesh Shop Owners Association and Mr. Abdus Salam Miah, Grants Manager, Campaign for Tobacco-free kids (CTFK) were attend the program as Special Guests. The event was chaired by Dr M. Ehsanur Rahman, Executive Director, DhakaAhsania Mission.The study findings were presented by Md. Mukhlesur Rahman, Assistant Director, Health Sector of DAM. Among other representatives from Teachers Associations, different anti-tobacco organizations, Rover Scouts, Red Crescent society were also present in the occasion. The study shows that 90.5% schools and playgrounds were found selling tobacco products within its 100 meter radius, and 81.87% of the point of sales displayed tobacco products at children’s eye level (approximately 1 meter) and 64.19% of the tobacco products are being displayed beside candy, sweets or toys. Its mean Tobacco Industries has targeted small children as future tobacco users which is alarming for the country. In this circumstance, the Chief Guest of the program Mr. Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, MP. Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education has declared that Ministry of Education will take necessary measures including sending a request letter to Local Government Division (LGD) for banning tobacco sale within a 100 meters radius of schools and playground and will monitor the progress of previous actions including implementation the previous circular/notice and actions of Ministry of Education.
