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World No Tobacco Day Observed

’Use pictorial warnings to discourage tobacco consumption’

Staff Correspondent
World No Tobacco Day 2009 was observed in the country yesterday as elsewhere across the globe with a commitment to stop tobacco consumption.
This year the theme of the day was 'Pictorial health warnings on tobacco products.'
Different organisations held rally, discussion, seminar and formed human chain in observance of the day.
The health experts said one person dies in every 10 seconds in the world due to tobacco consumption and the rate of tobacco consumption is higher in developing countries than the developed ones.
As tobacco is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, it is important to create awareness in the society to stop smoking and chewing A tobacco.
A pictorial health warning can be helpful in creating awareness about harmful effects of tobacco products as still many people in the country cannot read.
In observance of the day. Adhunik and World Health Organisation (WHO) jointly organised a discussion at the National Press Club in the city.
Citing a report of the WHO the experts said tobacco alone is responsible for 30 percent of all the diseases in the world, and 60 percent of all the mortal diseases.
They said the death toll from tobacco is more than any other things like war, natural disaster, HIV/Aids and other diseases.
National Professor Dr Nurul Islam, also founder president of Adhunik, chaired the event.
Speaking as chief guest Abul Kalam Azad, minister for information, said pictorial warnings would be more effective than written warnings in creating awareness among the illiterate people who consist of the majority of total population.
He stressed the need for an action plan to combat the tobacco menace for a healthier society and called upon all to come forward in unison to work against tobacco; yd ot#™
Tobacco use starts from the family where the younger generation follows the footsteps of their fathers, uncles and take up smoking, said Prof Muzaffer Ahmad, chairman of TIB Trustee Board.
He urged the older members of the families to quit smoking as the younger generation consider them as model to follow.
According to data presented at the discussion, there are around 100 crore smokers in the world and the number of smokers is higher among the poor.
The speakers urged everyone to quit smoking and use the money to buy fruits which would be a healthier alternative.
M Mostafa Zaman of WHO, AIN Bangla Adviser Nawazish Ali Khan, UNB Chairman Amanuilah Khan, Adhunik Executive Secretary MA Jabbar and Editor of Tobacco News Ali N'ujnniat also spoke on the occasion, c ; I ■ . ।
Bangladesh Cancer Society and Bangladesh Cancer Hospital and Welfare Home also organised a discussion at the National Museum in the city.
Taking pan in the discus-sion, Dr Duangvadee Sungkhobol, WHO representative to Bangladesh, mentioned that tobacco is one of the lead-ing causes of n o n -communicable diseases.
Apart from health risk tobacco consumption has negative impact on tlib country's economy also, she said, adding that tobacco consumption is a deep-rooted problem and a holistic approach is needed to fight It.
Prime Minister's Health Adviser Prof Syed Modasser Ali, Vice Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Prof Pran Gopal Dutt, President of Bangladesh Cancer Society Prof Mollah" Obayedullah Baki and Secretary General Prof Ahmed Sayeed also spoke on the occasion.
Students Anti-Smoking Committee also organised a street gathering in front of the National Press Club in the morning
Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance and Pratyasha jointly organised a colorful rally in front of the National Museum atShahbagh.
Speakers at the rally demanded pictorial health warning on all tobacco products and stopping illegal advertisement of tobacco products.