Strengthening Tobacco Control: Proposed Measures to Enhance the Smoking and Tobacco Use Control Act, 2013 in Bangladesh

Kazi Mohammad Hasibul Huq- 07 July 2023

Bangladesh is intensifying its efforts to combat tobacco use and promote public health through a series of proposed measures aimed at enhancing the implementation of the Smoking and Tobacco Use Control Act, 2013. These measures, which address critical gaps in the existing law, signify the government's commitment to creating a smoke-free nation and safeguarding citizens from the harmful effects of tobacco.

To strengthen enforcement, Every Executive Magistrate is required to hold regular Mobile Courts in separate sections once a month. This will play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with tobacco control measures, and tobacco companies found guilty of advertising tobacco products will be required to pay fines to sellers after being brought under the jurisdiction of the mobile court. Additionally, at least one day of punishment can be imposed in the mobile court, reinforcing the consequences for violating tobacco control regulations.

In line with the anti-narcotics mobile courts, mobile courts dedicated to tobacco control can be established, with an increased role for the drug control department. This multifaceted approach emphasizes the government's commitment to tackling tobacco use comprehensively, addressing the issue alongside other drug control efforts.

Continuing the annual survey of advertisers in districts will be essential in gauging the effectiveness of anti-tobacco measures and obtaining an accurate assessment of the district-level situation. This information will greatly facilitate the implementation of the law. Moreover, the development of a software system at the national or district level can aid in tracking multiple violations and ensuring the imposition of appropriate penalties for repeated offenses, as currently mentioned in the Tobacco Control Act.

The proposed measures also emphasize the compulsory placement of no-smoking signage in all public and private institutions, with the responsibility falling on the heads of these institutions to ensure compliance. This requirement aims to create smoke-free environments, safeguarding the well-being of individuals within these institutions.

Furthermore, the amendments call for the prohibition of smoking zones in public places, including hotel restaurants, as the smoke poses health risks to non-smokers, especially women and children. Additionally, tobacco shops will not be allowed in playgrounds, children's parks, educational institutions, and their surroundings, thus establishing smoke-free areas in these crucial spaces.

The mandatory installation of no-smoking signage on all forms of transportation will contribute to a smoke-free and safe travel experience for passengers. Transport operators are encouraged to engage in separate discussions with labor leaders and passenger shipping organizations to declare their vehicles smoke-free. This measure reinforces the government's commitment to protecting individuals from the dangers of secondhand smoke while promoting tobacco-free transportation.

To raise awareness about the hazards of tobacco use, health awareness TV commercials (TVCs) will be regularly broadcast in government institutions that have LED TV advertising systems. Additionally, public awareness campaigns, including regular announcements and discussions conducted by the Information Office and City Corporations, will highlight the legal issues and health risks associated with tobacco use.

Recognizing the influential role of religious institutions, anti-tobacco campaigns will be conducted in collaboration with religious leaders, including weekly programs led by religious leaders. The aim is to discourage tobacco use during religious rituals and promote a tobacco-free lifestyle. Furthermore, the government intends to intensify anti-tobacco campaigns on television, radio, and social media platforms, leveraging the participation of district and sub-district task force committee members to amplify the reach and impact of these campaigns.

Educational institutions will play a pivotal role in educating students about the harmful aspects of tobacco use. Teachers will engage students in discussions on the adverse effects of tobacco, and textbooks will be updated to emphasize the dangers associated with tobacco consumption. By incorporating comprehensive anti-tobacco information in the curriculum, the government aims to equip students with knowledge that will deter them from using tobacco.

To enforce the ban of tobacco product advertisements, authorized officers will be responsible for issuing instructions to remove a specified number of advertisements each month. Regular mobile courts conducted by district administrations will enforce this regulation, imposing fines and punishments on offenders. Government officials will also remain vigilant in monitoring tobacco companies' corporate social responsibility activities to prevent illegal advertising practices.

Furthermore, need to monitor smoking scenes in dramas, movies, and web series and ensure the enforcement of regulations through appropriate punishments. To protect educational institutions, the display of tobacco shops or advertisements within a 100-meter radius will be strictly prohibited.

In an effort to prevent tobacco consumption among young individuals, the proposed measures call for a ban on the sale of single sticks of tobacco, such as bidis and cigarettes. By eliminating the availability of these individual units, the government aims to discourage young teenagers and young adults from engaging in tobacco use. Additionally, given the limited availability of e-cigarettes in Bangladesh compared to bidi-cigarettes, a ban on e-cigarettes is proposed to prevent their increasing popularity among teenagers and young adults.

The proposed measures also highlight the importance of considering the licensing status of local governments while operating mobile courts. By incorporating this requirement, the courts will operate within the framework of the law, ensuring fairness and accountability in the legal process.

Lastly, the government emphasizes the need for regular district and sub-district task force committee meetings. These meetings will provide a platform to assess progress, discuss challenges, and make timely decisions to strengthen tobacco control measures. Follow-up meetings every three months will ensure the effective implementation of decisions and continuous improvement in tobacco control efforts.

The proposed measures aim to bolster the Smoking and Tobacco Use Control Act, 2013, and reflect the government's unwavering commitment to protecting public health and creating a tobacco-free society in Bangladesh. Through enhanced enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and comprehensive measures, the government aims to combat tobacco use and mitigate its detrimental effects. Collaboration?between the government, institutions, and citizens is pivotal in achieving the shared goal of a healthier, smoke-free Bangladesh.

Keywords: tobacco control, Smoking and Tobacco Use Control Act, mobile courts, fines, punishment, survey, enforcement, no-smoking signage, smoking zones, smoke-free areas, transport, health awareness, anti-tobacco campaigns, education, tobacco advertisements, corporate social responsibility, smoking scenes, single stick ban, e-cigarettes, licensing, smokeless tobacco, task force committee, implementation.