A discussion meeting on the implementation and progress of the Tobacco Control Act was held in Meherpur under the initiative of the Health Department and with the cooperation of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha and YPSA (Young Power in Social Action).

The meeting took place in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Meherpur, and was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Belal Hossain. The main objective of the event was to review the enforcement of the tobacco control law and to identify further steps needed to make Meherpur a tobacco-free district.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Moniruzzaman, Assistant Director of the Health Department Md. Asaduzzaman, Civil Surgeon Dr. Abdur Shaheed Prodhan, Municipal Mayor Motahar Hossain, Sadar Upazila Parishad Chairman Ataul Karim, and District Press Club President Abdur Rahman Anam were present as special guests.

Speakers emphasized the importance of strict law enforcement and community awareness to reduce the health risks associated with smoking and tobacco use. They highlighted the need for continuous monitoring and stronger collaboration between the administration, health department, and non-governmental organizations to ensure full implementation of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act.

The meeting concluded with the formation of a task plan to strengthen anti-tobacco activities and to continue awareness programs across the district. The participants expressed their joint commitment to achieving a tobacco-free Meherpur, contributing to a healthier Bangladesh.

 

A discussion meeting on the implementation of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act was held in Meherpur, organized by the District Administration in collaboration with the Health Department and supported by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha (SUBAH) and YPSA (Young Power in Social Action).

The meeting took place at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Room, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Ataul Gani, with the aim of reviewing ongoing activities related to tobacco control and planning future enforcement initiatives across the district.

Prominent officials, representatives of local government bodies, and members of civil society participated in the event. The chief guest, Civil Surgeon Dr. Abdur Shaheed Prodhan, highlighted the severe health and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and urged all stakeholders to take united action to ensure strict enforcement of the law.

Speakers stressed that tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in Bangladesh. They discussed the importance of strong monitoring mechanisms, effective awareness campaigns, and local-level enforcement to reduce both smoking and smokeless tobacco use.

Among others, Municipal Mayor Mahfuzur Rahman, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ismail Hossain, District Press Club President Abdur Rahman Anam, Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha Executive Director Moinul Alam, and representatives from various social and voluntary organizations attended the meeting.

During the discussion, the participants emphasized that enforcing the Tobacco Control Act is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility to safeguard public health. They also called for increased cooperation between the administration, health department, NGOs, and media to build a tobacco-free Meherpur.

The meeting concluded with a pledge to strengthen anti-tobacco activities through regular monitoring, awareness programs, and coordination among all relevant departments and organizations.