News

Bangladesh government celebrates World No Tobacco Day every year on 31st May. Still we do not officially celebrate National No Tobacco Day. Bangladesh Anti Tobacco Alliance (BATA) is celebrating National No Tobacco Day on 9th 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 1st 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.