Bangladesh government celebrates World No Tobacco Day every year on 31 st May. Still we do
not officially celebrate National No Tobacco Day. Bangladesh Anti Tobacco Alliance (BATA) is
celebrating National No Tobacco Day on 9 th October since 2011. In previous years, organizations
working on tobacco control have celebrated the day by organizing meetings, seminars,
demonstrations, rallies etc focusing on amendment of Tobacco Control Law, increasing number
of smoking free areas, providing pictorial warning, increasing tax on tobacco products. In
present year the organizations are going to undertake many programs both nationally and
locally to celebrate the day.
It is very important to create public awareness to reduce tobacco use. Bangladesh has achieved
immense success in tobacco control, as a result of joint venture of many. Various awareness
campaigns have been carried out by INGOs, Government and NGOs. Also voluntary

organizations and media have played a vital role in this regard. Bangladesh government has
strengthened tobacco control program by taking necessary policy oriented steps. Government
should focus more on this issue to achieve the goal of making Bangladesh tobacco free by 2040.
To promote tobacco control activities it is essential to celebrate National No Tobacco Day
alongside World No Tobacco Day. Bangladesh Government officially celebrates National Girl
Child Day on September 30, National Day of prevention of Violence against Women on 24th
August, National Cooperatives Day on 1 st November, National Population Day on 2nd February,
Safe Motherhood Day on 28th May and National Safe Roads Day on 22nd October. Day
celebrations enhance the importance of the issues,
Bangladesh Anti Tobacco Alliance (BATA) is humbly requesting Bangladesh Government to
announce 09th October as National No Tobacco Day and celebrate it with necessary
importance.