Meherpur Pratidin, May 31, 2025: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, an awareness discussion meeting titled “The Role of NGOs in Sustainable Tobacco Control” was held in Amjhupi, Meherpur. The event was organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha.

The program took place on Saturday at the conference room of the organization’s office, presided over by the Executive Director, Moin-ul-Alam.

The discussion was graced by Sariajul Islam, Acting Chairman of Amjhupi Union Parishad, as the Chief Guest. Rafiqul Alam, President of CAB Meherpur District Branch, was present as the Special Guest.

Other participants included UP members Md. Ashadul Haque, Md. Arfi Hossain, Md. Mokbul Hossain, reserved female member Mosammat Anjuman Ara, and Executive Director of the Society for the Promotion of Human Rights, Abu Abedin.

Speakers at the event emphasized the harmful effects of tobacco products and highlighted the importance of allocating funds in the Union Parishad budget for effective tobacco control at the local level.

During the event, Chief Guest Sariajul Islam announced that the upcoming Union Parishad budget will include a dedicated allocation for tobacco and smoking control initiatives.

 Meherpur News, May 31, 2025: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, a discussion meeting was organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha at Amjhupi in Meherpur Sadar Upazila.

The meeting took place on Saturday at the Subah Social Development Organization’s auditorium. It was presided over by the organization’s Executive Director, Moin-ul-Alam.

The session titled “Urgent Engagement for Sustainable Tobacco Control” was supported by the Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance and Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust.

Sirajul Islam, Acting Chairman of Amjhupi Union Parishad, attended as the Chief Guest, and Rafiqul Alam, President of CAB (Consumers Association of Bangladesh), was present as Special Guest.

Other participants in the discussion included Union Parishad members Tawfiq Elahi, Asadul Haque, Arif Hossain, Mokbul Hossain, Anjuman Ara, and Abu Abid, among others.

 Bibartan Bangla | May 31, 2025, With the theme “Expose Tobacco Industry Tactics, Build a Tobacco- and Nicotine-Free Bangladesh”, World No Tobacco Day was observed in Meherpur.

On the occasion, a rally was held on Saturday at 10:30 AM, starting from in front of the Shilpakala Academy in the city.

The rally was led by Senior Assistant Commissioner Nadir Hossain Shamim. Also present were Assistant Commissioners Sajedul Islam and Amir Hossain, as well as Dr. Emdadul Haque, Medical Officer from the Civil Surgeon’s Office, along with people from various professions.

The rally marched through the streets and concluded at the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

 Date: May 31, 2025

Venue: Conference Room, Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, Meherpur Sadar Upazila

To mark World No Tobacco Day 2025, a discussion meeting titled “Engaging NGOs in Sustainable Tobacco Control” was held at the conference room of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, Meherpur.

The event was jointly organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, the Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance, and the Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust.

The meeting was presided over by Mr. Moin-Ul-Alam, Executive Director of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, while Mr. Sirajul Islam, Acting Chairman of Amjhupi Union Parishad, attended as the Chief Guest.
Mr. Rafiqul Alam, President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Meherpur District Branch, attended as the Special Guest.

Also present were Union Parishad Members including Mr. Taofiq Elahi, Mr. Ashadul Haque, Mr. Arif Hossain, and Mr. Mokbul Hossain, as well as Ms. Anjuman Ara, Reserved Female Member of Amjhupi Union Parishad, and Mr. Abu Abid, Executive Director of the Society for the Promotion of Human Rights (SPHR).

During the session, Mr. Moin-Ul-Alam presented the keynote paper on “The Role of NGOs in Sustainable Tobacco Control.” Discussions focused on strengthening local-level coordination, integrating tobacco control into community development, and ensuring effective implementation of the Tobacco Control Act.

In his remarks, Mr. Sirajul Islam, Acting Chairman of Amjhupi Union Parishad, announced that a dedicated budget allocation for tobacco control initiatives would be included in the Union Parishad’s upcoming fiscal plan—marking a significant step toward sustainable local action against tobacco use.

The event concluded with a call for greater collaboration among government bodies, NGOs, and community leaders to build a tobacco-free, healthy, and sustainable Bangladesh.

 

Date: May 20, 2025

Venue: Meherpur District Administration Office

The District NGO Coordination Meeting of Meherpur was held today, presided over by Ms. Sifat Mehnaz, Deputy Commissioner of Meherpur.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner discussed key issues related to social development activities and provided guidance and directives to ensure better coordination among NGOs working in the district.

The session emphasized the importance of collaboration between government bodies and non-governmental organizations in achieving sustainable community development and improving the quality of life of local residents.

 

Date: May 17, 2025

Venue: Meherpur District

A training session of the Meherpur District Tobacco Control Taskforce Committee was held today, aimed at strengthening the implementation of tobacco control laws and awareness activities in the district.

The training focused on enhancing the capacity of taskforce members to enforce tobacco control regulations effectively, prevent violations, and promote a tobacco-free environment for the community.

This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the local administration and development organizations to reduce tobacco use and safeguard public health in line with the National Tobacco Control Act.

Dhaka Mail – October 20, 2022, At a national webinar organized by WBB Trust on “Tobacco Taxation and Corporate Interference”, public health experts and development professionals voiced serious concerns over the government’s continued shareholding in tobacco companies, calling it the biggest barrier to implementing effective tobacco tax policies in Bangladesh.

Held on October 19, the webinar emphasized that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040, along with the country’s SDG targets, remain at risk due to the tobacco industry's interference in government policymaking.

🔻 Key Points Highlighted:

• Tobacco industry influence: Speakers strongly criticized the government's financial stake in tobacco companies, which they say enables harmful industry lobbying and delays policy reforms.
• Tax policy and misinformation: Multinational tobacco companies are spreading false claims, such as increased tobacco taxes will reduce government revenue — a narrative debunked by health economists.
• Economic reality: Although tobacco brings in revenue, the healthcare cost from tobacco-related diseases outweighs that income, with over 30,570 crore BDT in health costs vs. 30,000 crore BDT in revenue.
• Public health vs. corporate profit: The interests of tobacco companies are in direct conflict with public health, and legislative reforms must prioritize people's well-being over industry profits.
• Call for legal reform: The participants demanded stronger implementation and amendment of the Smoking and Tobacco Products (Control) Act, along with removal of industry influence from policymaking bodies.

🔹 Featured Speakers Included:

• Md. Fahimul Islam, Consultant, The Union
• Nasir Uddin Sheikh, Country Manager (Bangladesh), Vital Strategies
• Hamidul Islam Hillol, Tobacco Tax Researcher, BNTTP
• Helal Ahmed, General Secretary, Protyasha Drug Prevention Organization
• Ibrahim Khalil, Project Officer, Bureau of Economic Research, University of Dhaka

🔹 Hosted By:

Syeda Ananya Rahman, Head of Programs, WBB Trust
Keynote Presentation by Mithun Baidya, Project Officer, WBB Trust

🔹 Organizing & Participating Organizations Included:

• Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha (SPUUS)
• Protyasha Social Development Organization
• Three Star Organization
• Development for Disadvantaged People (DDP)
• Village Development Center (VDC)
• Sotota Development Society, SEBA, TPDO, Esho Jibon Gori
• Chandpur Community Development Society (CCDS)
• Mamata Palli Unnayan Sangstha, DAS-Bangladesh, Shobuj Bangla, Keraniganj Human Resources Development Society, PDS, and many more

Speakers concluded with a united appeal to the government to:

• Sever financial ties with tobacco companies
• Enact stricter tax policies and legal reforms
• Strengthen enforcement mechanisms
• Empower grassroots organizations to counter tobacco industry propaganda

April 21, 2025 – Daily Meherpur, An awareness rally was organized in Meherpur on Monday morning in anticipation of the upcoming Renewable Energy Fest 2025, scheduled to take place in Dhaka on April 23–24. The rally aimed to raise public awareness about climate change, renewable energy transformation, and the need for a just energy transition.

The event began at 10:00 AM from the Meherpur Deputy Commissioner's Office courtyard, marched through the town’s main streets, and concluded at the District Shilpakala Academy.

The rally was organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha with support from ActionAid Bangladesh, BUET, and the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETNet-BD).

Key participants included:

• Rafiqul Alam, Former General Secretary of Meherpur Press Club and President of CAB, Meherpur
• Majedul Haque, RTV District Correspondent and CAB Meherpur General Secretary
• Abu Abid, Executive Director, Society for the Promotion of Human Rights (HPHR)
• Ismail Hossain, Traffic Inspector
• Golam Kibria, Executive Director, Palli Jan Unnayan Sangstha
• Monirul Islam, District Representative, BRAC
• Dilara Jahan, Executive Director, Health Foundation
• Rehena Khatun, Executive Director, Aparajita Meherpur

Over a hundred participants including youth, women leaders, environmental activists, and civil society representatives joined the rally.

Participants held placards and banners bearing messages such as:

• “Solar and Wind Power are the Future”
• “Youth and Women in Energy Transition”
• “Make Renewable Energy Fest 2025 a Success”

In a brief post-rally assembly, speakers emphasized:

• The importance of technological innovation in renewable energy
• The need for policy reforms supporting clean energy
• Social justice and inclusive participation in energy transformation

Moin-ul-Alam, Executive Director of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, remarked:

“Sustainable energy transformation is not just the responsibility of governments and institutions. Every segment of society must be involved. This rally marks the beginning of that collective journey.”

 

Mujibnagar Khobor, May 18, 2024, On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, a discussion meeting was organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha at its office premises in Amjhupi, Meherpur.

The program focused on raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and the importance of creating a smoke-free environment for public health. Speakers highlighted the need for stronger enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act and urged community members to participate in anti-tobacco campaigns to protect the younger generation.

Community leaders, local representatives, health officials, and civil society members were present and expressed their commitment to working together for a tobacco-free future.

Mujibnagar Khabor December 02, 2019, On the occasion of NGO Foundation Day, a rally and discussion meeting were held in Meherpur on Monday, organized jointly by the Meherpur District Administration and the NGO Foundation.

The discussion session took place in the courtyard of the Meherpur District Administration, presided over by Mosharraf Hossain, President of the Meherpur District NGO Association. The chief guest at the event was Md. Toufiqul Rahman, Deputy Director of the Local Government Division.

Speakers at the session included:

• Abu Zafar, Executive Director, Sandhani Sangstha
• Moinul Ahmed, Executive Director, Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha

Prior to the discussion, a colorful rally was brought out, led by Md. Toufiqul Rahman. The procession started from the Shilpakala Academy premises, moved through the town’s main roads, and concluded at the District Administration premises.

The event highlighted the significant contributions of NGOs in community development and emphasized continued collaboration between non-governmental organizations and local authorities for sustainable progress.

Mujibnagar Khabor, March 9, 2019, In celebration of International Women’s Day 2019, a two-day series of events—including a rally, discussion sessions, and a development fair—was held in Gangni Upazila, Meherpur. The initiative was organized by the Gangni Upazila Administration in collaboration with the Department of Women Affairs.

On Friday, March 8, the day’s events began with a vibrant rally that started at 10 AM and paraded through the main roads of Gangni town. The rally was led by Gangni UNO Bishnupod Pal and joined by representatives from various government offices, NGOs, and civil society.

Notable attendees included:

• Sazedul Islam, OC (Investigation), Gangni Police Station
• Sirajul Islam, educator, cultural personality, and President of the Meherpur District Chapter of the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum
• Moniruzzaman, Organizational Secretary, Gangni Upazila Awami League and representative of MP Sahiduzzaman Khokon
• Nasima Begum, Upazila Women Affairs Officer
• Khorshed Alam, Regional Coordinator (Jessore), The Hunger Project-Bangladesh
• Bulbul Ahmed, Executive Director, Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha
• Representatives of BRAC, Sandhani Sangstha, Palashipara Samaj Kalyan Samiti, and several other women's welfare and rights organizations

Following the rally, the Women’s Development Fair was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring stalls from over 15 women-led and women-focused organizations.

A discussion session was later held at the Upazila Parishad Conference Room, presided over by Nasima Begum. Chief guest UNO Bishnupod Pal and other dignitaries addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of women’s rights, empowerment, and active civic engagement.

The program was moderated by journalist Amirul Islam Aldam, with speeches by:

• Abdur Rashid, President of SUJAN and former Assistant Professor, Gangni Govt. Degree College
• Moniruzzaman Atu, Awami League Leader
• Many others from community-based organizations and local administration

Guests also toured the various stalls set up by organizations such as Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, BRAC, The Hunger Project, Adarsha Mohila Kalyan Samiti, and Surjomukhi Mohila Kalyan Samiti among others.

Organizers announced that the closing ceremony of the fair would take place the following Saturday.

Mujibnagar Khabor, February 11, 2018, The biennial general meeting of the Meherpur District NGO Association was held on Saturday at the Vatpara Neelkuthi premises in Gangni Upazila. During the meeting, a new 11-member executive committee was formed to lead the organization for the next term.

In the newly announced committee:

• Mosharraf Hossain, Executive Director of Palashipara Samaj Kalyan Samiti, was elected as President
• Abu Zafar, Executive Director of Sandhani Sangstha, was elected as General Secretary

Other elected committee members:

• Vice President: Abu Zafar (Executive Director, DBS)
• Treasurer: Rehena Khatun (District Representative, Khan Foundation)

Executive Members:

• Mosharraf Hossain (District Representative, BRAC)
• Abu Naser Chowdhury (Executive Director, Meherpur Foundation)
• Moin-ul-Alam (Executive Director, Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha)
• Wazed Ali (Manager, SPID)
• Shefali Khatun (Area Manager, Wave Foundation)
• Mohituzzaman Milon (Area Manager, Jagorani Chakra Foundation)
• Ashanur Rahman (Regional Manager, ASA)

The gathering served to strengthen inter-organizational collaboration and reaffirm the shared mission of advancing community development across Meherpur through united NGO efforts.

Dainik Mathabhanga, June 1, 2022, With the slogan “Tobacco-Free Environment, a Healthier Bangladesh”, World No Tobacco Day 2022 was commemorated through vibrant rallies and discussion sessions in Chuadanga, Meherpur, and Jibannagar Upazila. The events drew attention to the harmful effects of tobacco and drugs, calling for collective action to protect the youth from addiction.

🔹 Chuadanga District

The main rally in Chuadanga was inaugurated at 10 AM by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aminul Islam Khan from the DC office courtyard. The rally marched through the town’s main streets and concluded with a discussion meeting at the District Commissioner’s Conference Room.

Speakers included:

• Dr. Auliya Rahman, Upazila Health Officer (representing the Civil Surgeon)
• Additional District Magistrate Arafat Rahman
• Former Principal Siddiqur Rahman, Chuadanga Govt. College
• Acting District Education Officer Ataur Rahman

Speakers stressed that nearly 4 crore people in the country are exposed to secondhand smoke and emphasized that legislation alone cannot curb tobacco use. A sustained social movement is necessary for effective tobacco control and sustainable development.

They also urged tobacco users to quit immediately and encouraged farmers to shift from tobacco to food crop cultivation. Importantly, the speakers called for collective efforts to protect youth from the grasp of narcotics.

🔹 Jibannagar Upazila

A separate rally and discussion were held at Jibannagar, organized by the Upazila Administration. The rally started at 10 AM and was followed by a session in the Upazila conference hall, presided over by UNO Md. Ariful Islam.

Speakers included:

• Upazila Chairman Haji Md. Hafizur Rahman
• Assistant Commissioner (Land) Tithi Mitra
• Vice Chairman Abdus Salam Isha
• Female Vice Chairman Ayesha Sultana Lucky
• Food Controller Md. Obaidul Islam
• Social Services Officer Zakir Uddin Moral
• Journalist Salauddin Kajol

Government officials and local school students participated enthusiastically in the event.

🔹 Meherpur District

In Meherpur, the day was observed with a rally starting at 9:30 AM, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education) Ashraful Bhuiyan. The procession moved through the town and ended at the DC office, followed by a formal discussion.

Key participants included:

• Shamsul Alam, Deputy Director, Department of Agricultural Extension
• UNO Asaduzzaman Ripon, Sadar Upazila
• Dr. Alok Kumar Das, Health & Family Planning Officer, Sadar Upazila
• Dr. Mokhlesur Rahman, RMO, 250-bed General Hospital
• Dr. S.M. Shafiul Islam, Junior Health Education Officer, Civil Surgeon Office
• Tariqul Islam, Sanitary Inspector
• Touhid Ud Doula, Executive Director, Ashray Samaj Unnayan Sangstha
• Moin-ul-Alam, Executive Director, Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha

Government staff, nurses, and students from various schools and colleges actively participated in both the rally and discussion.

Dainik Mathabhanga, September 7, 2022, An exchange meeting titled “Amendment of the Tobacco Control Law and Preventing Industry Interference” was held on Tuesday morning in Chuadanga. The event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance and Protyasha Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, and took place at the organization's conference room.

The meeting was presided over by Md. Billal Hossain, Executive Director of Protyasha, and the chief guest was Saifuddin Ahmed, Executive Director of WBB Trust and National Coordinator of the Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance.

In his keynote speech, Saifuddin Ahmed stated that “The amendment of the Smoking and Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005 (Amended 2013) is now a necessity. The Ministry of Health’s new proposed amendments are both timely and globally aligned. Many countries have already adopted similar provisions and are reaping the benefits.”

He highlighted that tobacco companies are aggressively campaigning through proxies to block these amendments, particularly the licensing provision, as such clauses threaten their market expansion.

Ahmed further explained, “While the tobacco sector contributed BDT 30,000 crore in revenue last year, the financial cost of tobacco-related harms amounted to BDT 30,570 crore. This reality underscores the urgent need for reform.” He also reiterated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to make Bangladesh tobacco-free by 2040.

Ziaur Rahman, Executive Director of Swapno Sangstha, attended as a special guest.

Moin-ul-Alam, Executive Director of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, delivered the welcome speech.

Other speakers included:

• Saidur Rahman Lipu, Executive Director, Grameen Samajik Unnayan Sangstha
• Kamruzzaman Kanchan, Executive Director, Compact Foundation
• Journalists Ahsan Alam and Meherabbi Sanvi
• Yunus Ali, Project Coordinator, PRPDP
• Tofayel Ahmed, Project Coordinator, WASAIF Project

The event was moderated by Saidur Rahman, Program Focal and Coordinator at Protyasha Samajik Unnayan Sangstha.

Meherpur News, April 21, 2025, An awareness rally was held in Meherpur to promote the importance of tackling the climate crisis, increasing the use of renewable energy, and ensuring a just energy transition.

Organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha with support from ActionAid Bangladesh and the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh, the rally aimed to raise public awareness ahead of the upcoming Renewable Energy Fest 2025, scheduled to be held in Dhaka on April 23–24.

The rally began Monday morning from the courtyard of the Meherpur Deputy Commissioner’s Office, led by Rafiqul Alam, President of the Meherpur District CAB (Consumers Association of Bangladesh). It passed through the main roads of Meherpur town and concluded at the Meherpur Public Library premises.

Among the notable participants were:

• Traffic Inspector Ismail Hossain
• Monirul Islam, District Representative of BRAC
• Moin-ul-Alam, Executive Director of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha
• Abu Abid, Executive Director of Society Human Rights
• Golam Kibria, Executive Director of Palli Janunnayan Sangstha
• Rehena Khatun, Executive Director of Aparajita

The rally conveyed the fest’s message across communities, calling for grassroots participation in renewable energy advocacy and sustainable climate action.

Meherpur News, December 2, 2024, Bangladesh NGO Foundation Day 2024 was observed with due significance in Meherpur through a joint initiative of the Meherpur District Administration and partner organizations of the Bangladesh NGO Foundation (BNF).

On Monday, a discussion meeting was held at the Meherpur District Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center. The event was presided over by Md. Mosharraf Hossain, President of the Meherpur District NGO Association.

The chief guest was Tariqul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Meherpur. Special guests included A.J.M. Sirajum Munir, Deputy Director of Islamic Foundation Meherpur, and Monirul Islam, BRAC District Representative.

The event was anchored by Abu Zafar, Executive Director of Sandhani Sangstha, and the welcome address was delivered by Moin-ul-Alam, Executive Director of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, which represents BNF in the district.

Speakers at the discussion highlighted the vital contributions of NGOs to national development, emphasizing how they work alongside the government for the welfare of society.

Among others who addressed the gathering were:

• Murad Hossain, development worker, MOUK
• Golam Kibria, Executive Director, Palli Janunnayan Kallyan Sangstha, Meherpur
• Mahima Khatun, Shamiara Khatun, Sufia Khatun, and Hasnat Ali, who spoke as beneficiaries of NGO programs

Earlier in the day, a colorful rally led by ADC Tariqul Islam started from the Deputy Commissioner’s office and paraded through the main roads, concluding at the Islamic Foundation premises. NGO leaders, staff, beneficiaries, and people from various professions participated in the rally and discussion.

Meherpur News, May 18, 2024, An exchange meeting on the implementation of the Tobacco Control Law was held on Saturday afternoon at the auditorium of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha in Amjhupi, Meherpur Sadar Upazila.

The event was organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha and was presided over by Sirajul Islam, Acting Chairman of Amjhupi Union.

Key speakers included:

• Tariqul Islam, Sanitary Inspector of Meherpur Sadar Upazila
• Moinul Alam, Executive Director of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha

The discussion emphasized local enforcement of tobacco control measures, community awareness, and inter-agency cooperation to create a healthier, smoke-free environment.