Tobacco control in Bangladesh
Photo: A.M.Ahad / driknews
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes with concern that the trend in tobacco consumption in many developing countries is worrying. About 70 percent of tobacco used in Bangladesh is smoked as cigarettes or 'bidis'. 20 percent of tobacco is chewed and the rest is used in hookahs, pipes, etc. Researchers have noted that health warnings on cigarette packages are not prominently displayed. With half of the population being illiterate much of these messages are lost. Statistically up to 10.5 million people in Bangladesh are thought to be nicotine addicts. Experts in Bangladesh believe that an increase in the price of tobacco products on an annual basis by some 5% will likely to reduce the number of smokers. Imposing taxes is an effective way of curbing smoking, especially amongst the low-income smokers. There is no doubt that tobacco control in Bangladesh will need stronger action. Smoking in public places should be totally banned and advertising of tobacco products forbidden. There is a need to highlight the benefits of quitting smoking.
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