A coordination meeting was held in Meherpur to review and strengthen the implementation of the Tobacco Control Act and to discuss ways to accelerate anti-tobacco initiatives in the district. The meeting was organized by the District Administration in cooperation with the Health Department, Civil Surgeon’s Office, and various social organizations.

The discussion focused on ensuring proper enforcement of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, reducing tobacco consumption, and promoting public awareness about its harmful effects on health and the environment.

The meeting was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Abdulla Al Mahmud Baki Mia, while Civil Surgeon Dr. Abdur Shaheed Prodhan, Tobacco Control Committee Member Secretary Dr. Asad Hossain, and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Moniruzzaman and Babul Hossain attended as special guests.

During the meeting, the speakers emphasized the importance of stricter enforcement of existing tobacco control laws and encouraged greater participation from local government bodies, NGOs, and the community. They also highlighted the role of social movements in promoting awareness and mobilizing people to lead tobacco-free lives.

Officials noted that effective law enforcement and community involvement are key to reducing tobacco use and protecting public health. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all departments and organizations to work together in building a tobacco-free Meherpur.

 An anti-smoking leaflet campaign was recently held at the Meherpur Bus Terminal, aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and to promote a smoke-free public transport environment.

The campaign was organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, in collaboration with the Health Department and BT Trust, under the broader initiative of the Tobacco Control Law Implementation Program. Representatives from various social organizations, journalists, and transport workers actively participated in the event.

As part of the campaign, leaflets were distributed among drivers, helpers, and passengers to encourage them to avoid smoking in public transport and to help build a smoke-free environment in Meherpur.

The program was inaugurated by Civil Surgeon Dr. Abdur Shaheed Prodhan, who emphasized that maintaining smoke-free public transport is essential for safeguarding public health and ensuring a cleaner environment. He urged everyone, especially transport workers, to cooperate in the proper enforcement of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act.

Also present at the event were Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ismail Hossain, District Tobacco Control Task Force Member Secretary Dr. Asad Hossain, and Subah’s Executive Director Moinul Alam. The speakers highlighted the importance of raising public awareness through continuous campaigns and community engagement.

Before the campaign began, leaders from the Bus Owners Association and Transport Workers Union pledged their support for keeping public vehicles completely smoke-free. They also expressed their commitment to help distribute awareness materials and monitor compliance among drivers and passengers.

This campaign marks another step in Meherpur’s ongoing efforts to implement the Tobacco Control Law and establish a healthy, smoke-free community for all.

 In a significant step towards ensuring public health and implementing the Tobacco Control Act, a total of 64 buses in Meherpur have been officially declared smoke-free. The announcement was made on Saturday under the initiative of the District Tobacco Control Task Force and in collaboration with Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, as part of an ongoing effort to promote a tobacco-free environment in public transport.

The event was held at the Meherpur Bus Terminal, where stickers and posters bearing the message “No Smoking” were placed on buses to raise awareness among passengers and transport workers.

The ceremony was presided over by Civil Surgeon Dr. Abdur Shaheed Prodhan, with Additional District Magistrate Abdul Kudus attending as the chief guest. The event also saw participation from District Motor Workers’ Union President Abul Kalam Azad, District Tobacco Control Law Enforcement Committee Member Secretary Dr. Asad Hossain, and Subah’s Project Coordinator Masum Hossain.

Speakers at the event emphasized the need for strict enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act to ensure that all forms of public transport remain smoke-free. They also discussed the harmful effects of both active and passive smoking and encouraged the community to adopt healthier habits.

As part of the campaign, awareness leaflets were distributed among transport workers and passengers, and buses across Meherpur were marked with anti-smoking stickers to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining a clean, smoke-free environment.

This initiative represents a strong commitment from the local administration, health department, and Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha to protect public health and create a tobacco-free Meherpur.

 

A discussion meeting was held in Meherpur to mark World No Tobacco Day, organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha and the Department of Health, with the support of the District Administration. The event aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and promote a tobacco-free society for better public health.

The meeting took place at the Conference Room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Meherpur, and was presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Shafiqul Islam. The discussion focused on the implementation of the Tobacco Control Act, the dangers of smoking and tobacco use, and the importance of collective responsibility in creating a smoke-free environment.

Speakers highlighted that tobacco use poses a major threat to health and human life, especially among the youth, and emphasized strict enforcement of existing laws to protect non-smokers from exposure.

Special guest Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Rabiul Islam discussed the government’s initiatives to reduce tobacco use and improve public awareness. He also urged local organizations and volunteers to join the anti-tobacco movement and continue awareness programs at the community level.

Other attendees included representatives from various government departments, journalists, NGO workers, and members of civil society. The speakers stressed that to build a healthy Bangladesh, it is essential to make homes, workplaces, and public areas completely smoke-free.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to support all anti-tobacco activities and work together to build a tobacco-free Meherpur for a healthier future generation.

 An anti-smoking awareness campaign was organized at the Meherpur Bus Terminal as part of the initiative to ensure the implementation of the “Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act”. The campaign aimed to make public transport vehicles and terminals smoke-free zones and raise awareness among drivers, helpers, and passengers about the dangers of smoking.

The program was conducted under the supervision of the Meherpur District Administration and with the support of the Health Department of Meherpur. Volunteers distributed leaflets and posters bearing the slogan, “Stay away from smoking in public transport,” to encourage people to follow the law and maintain a healthy environment.

The campaign took place at various locations around the bus terminal. Drivers, helpers, and passengers were informed about the harmful effects of smoking and the legal restrictions on smoking in public vehicles. Officials from the District Health Department, journalists, and members of civil society also participated in the campaign.

The awareness drive emphasized that creating a smoke-free public transport system is essential for protecting the health of the community and ensuring a cleaner environment in Meherpur.

 

An extensive anti-smoking awareness campaign has been launched across Meherpur district to promote a smoke-free environment and raise awareness about public health and human rights.

The campaign is part of the national initiative “Establishing the Rights of the Marginalized People”, supported by the Health Department and implemented in cooperation with Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha (SUBAH). The goal of this initiative is to reduce smoking in public transport and public places, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for all citizens.

The program began with an inauguration ceremony held at the Meherpur Deputy Commissioner’s Office, where the official campaign was inaugurated. Leaflets and posters carrying anti-smoking messages were distributed among the public to spread awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and passive smoking.

Health Department officials, journalists, local representatives, and volunteers participated in the campaign. They actively engaged the community, especially transport workers and passengers, in discussions about the legal restrictions on smoking in public vehicles and the risks associated with tobacco use.

Officials stated that tobacco consumption remains a serious threat to public health and that such campaigns are essential to encourage people to quit smoking and to protect non-smokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

The campaign will continue for four consecutive days across all upazilas of Meherpur district. As part of the activities, anti-smoking stickers will be placed in public transport, and awareness rallies and courtyard meetings will be held to promote a smoke-free lifestyle.

This initiative represents a collaborative effort by the Health Department and Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha to create a smoke-free, healthy, and conscious community in Meherpur — setting an example for other districts across Bangladesh.

 

The Health Department and Health Bureau, in collaboration with Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, jointly organized a discussion meeting and rally in Meherpur to mark World No Tobacco Day.

The event began with a rally led by Deputy Commissioner Md. Ataul Gani, starting from Shaheed Dr. Samsuzzoha Road and moving through various parts of the city before gathering at the Civil Surgeon’s office premises. Following the rally, a discussion meeting was held to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco and to promote a smoke-free environment in the community.

The meeting was presided over by Civil Surgeon Dr. Abdur Shaheed Prodhan, while Deputy Commissioner Md. Ataul Gani attended as the chief guest. Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Abdulla Al Mahmud Baki Mia, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Hirendra Nath Sarkar, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ismail Hossain Biplob, and District Press Club President Abdur Rahman Anam were also present.

Speakers emphasized the urgent need to reduce tobacco use and its devastating effects on public health. They also appreciated the initiatives of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha for their continuous role in raising awareness against smoking and tobacco consumption in Meherpur.

At the end of the program, several awareness posters were distributed, and the Civil Surgeon’s Office, Sadar Hospital, and Upazila Health Complex were declared smoke-free zones.

This event reflected the joint commitment of both government and non-government organizations to create a healthy, tobacco-free Meherpur, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for future generations.

 Implementing Organization: Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha

Location: Meherpur Sadar Upazila, Meherpur District
Funding: Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha
Launch Year: Ongoing annually
Inaugurated By: Senior Government Officials

 Target:

Planting 30,000 indigenous fruit, timber, and medicinal trees every year as a sustainable contribution to environmental development.

 Program Objectives:

 Contribute to environmental conservation through large-scale tree planting
 Ensure habitat and food sources for wildlife
 Create and preserve sustainable natural resources
 Raise public awareness about environmental preservation and sustainability
 Indirectly generate employment and aid in poverty alleviation

 Key Outcomes:

 Supports economic development through resource sustainability
 Enhances employment opportunities for rural communities
 Helps reduce air pollution and global warming
 Contributes to protecting bird habitats and biodiversity
 Promotes the conservation of multiple plant species
 Aids in combating desertification and maintaining ecological balance

 Commitment to Combating Climate Change:

“There is no alternative to tree plantation in tackling climate change.”
With this belief, Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha has launched an extensive and well-planned afforestation program. This long-term initiative aims to play a vital role in protecting the environment and restoring ecological balance for future generations.