No Tobacco Day today

DHAKA: As in the previous years, Bangladesh will observe World No Tobacco Day along with other countries on Thursday.

The theme of this year`s No Tobacco Day is `Tobacco Industry Interference`.

The government, non-government and socio-cultural organisations will arrange various programmes, including discussions, rallies and cultural programmes highlighting the spirit of the day across the country.

The national programme, about the theme `Tobacco Industry Interference`, will be held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city.

On Wednesday, a press briefing was held at the Health Ministry on the eve of the World No Tobacco Day.

Health minister Dr AFM Ruhal Huq said at the briefing that some 57,00 people of over 30 years of age die while 3,82,000 get disabled every year in the country due to tobacco use.

Quoting a report of a survey conducted in Bangladesh in 2009 by Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) he said that tobacco consumption is growing in the country, pointing out that 43.3 % of over 15 years of age use tobacco.

BDST: 0312 HRS, MAY 31, 2012
Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor