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Implementation of Tobacco control act is necessary to stop illegal advertisement of tobacco products

Promotion and advertisement of tobacco products can be reduced by ensuring the implementation of law. Companies have to stop supporting and promoting tobacco products. Strict steps like penalty and imprisonment should be taken against the companies who are responsible for violating the law. 11 organizations of Bangladesh Anti Tobacco Alliance (BATA) have demanded this in a demonstration program at National Press Club at 28th july 2015.

BATA Secretary M Rafiqul Islam has presided the sit-in and demonstration program. Advocate Syed Mahbubul Alam, Technical Advisor of international organization The Union; Ibnul Syed Rana, Chairman, Nirapod Development Foundation; Syeda Anonna Rahman, National Advocacy Officer, WBB Trust; AKM Khalilullah, Project Officer, NATAB; Md. Maksud Ullah, Project Coordinator, ACLAB; Nazrul Islam Sarkar, ED, Grameen Unnayan Sansgtha; Md. Mohiuddin, Researcher, TCRC; ABM Razzak, ED, Madhobika; Shumon Sheikh, Programe Officer, Manobik; Md. Sagor, Green Mind Society; Borat Hossain, Orunodoyer Torun Dol; Akib Dipu, Prottyasha and representative from other organizations took part in the program. Shuvo Karmokar, Assistant Advocacy Officer of WBB Trust conducted the program.

Speakers said that illegal advertisement of tobacco products is a great offence. These illegitimate activities are influencing people to be addicted. Even the street children's are also influenced by this kind of advertisement and having cigarette. People face losses in respect of health. On the other hand, tobacco companies are using lots of promotional strategies by offering alluring gifts which is directly violation of law. People especially young groups are getting framed and addicted to smoking. So these illegal promotional activities have to be stopped by using any and all means. Speakers appealed to all to implement the law by using strict rules.