Insertion of graphic health warnings on the packages of tobacco-based products will be implemented from March 19 to create awareness of the adverse effects of tobacco among users, said Health Family Welfare Minister Mohammed Nasim.
An circular in this regard will be issued before March 19 in all upazilas under all districts, said the minister at a discussion at CIRDAP auditorium in the capital yesterday afternoon.
The event was jointly organised by National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, United Forum Against Tobacco, Progga and Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance demanding enactment of the tobacco laws.
Nasim said: “We have a number of laws but they are not properly implemented. If you want to live, you have to come forward and cooperate with the government in this regard.”
“Pictorial warnings on tobacco product packages must be implemented from March 19. So people’s cooperation is needed.”
Tobacco factories at both home and abroad currently provide plain packaging for tobacco products in Bangladesh. According to the Smoking and Usage of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2013, graphic health warnings must be inserted on at least 50% outer surface area of the packages, which will allow smokers and other users understand the health risks of using tobacco.
The act could not be implemented before due to lack of adequate rules, which the government rectified by issuing a gazette notification on March 19 last year stating the rules for proper implementation of the act.
The notification also directed tobacco factories to add the pictorial warnings within 12 months from the issuance of the rules, a deadline which will expire on March 19 this year.
