Campaign for smoking

In gross violation of government rules, several tobacco companies have continued advertisement of their products at different public places in the district, much to the worry of health conscious people.  

During a recent visit, this correspondent saw four or five workers of Dhaka Tobacco Industries sitting under an umbrella beside a betel shop at Nekmarad Haat in Ranishankoil upazila of the district.

They were seen describing the 'merits' of smoking Briton brand of cigarette and offering it to people, especially younger ones, take the taste.    

Those who showed interest to buy a packet after smoking it were given an extra packet as incentive.       

"I don't know about any prohibition on advertisement for promotion of cigarettes. As per instructions of our high officials, we are doing it as part of job," said Michael Islam, a worker of the company.

"We only offer cigarettes to the smokers. Other tobacco companies do the same to promote their brand in various ways," said Md Sharif, another worker.

Two workers of British American Tobacco Bangladesh were seen campaigning with their product Derby cigarette on Shaheed Mohammad Ali Road in the town.

Another worker was seen near the Judge's Court compound, campaigning for promotion of the Gold Leaf brand of British American Tobacco with the help of a touch pad on a computer. 

A good number of betel shops of the district are decorated with leaflets and posters containing pictures of different brands of cigarettes.    

"Cigarette companies give us free showcase with their product's advertisement. The companies also give us different gifts to promote their products," said Md Mostafa, a betel shop owner on Shaheed Mohammad Ali road in the town.

In violation of government rules, the tobacco companies are continuing advertisement to motivate people, especially young ones, to consume their products, said Motiur Rahman, programme officer of Association For Community Development, who are working against drug abuse.

Once mobile courts conducted drives at different places against tobacco campaign but it is hardly seen nowadays, he said.  

Md Asraful Islam, additional district magistrate of Thakurgaon, said they will conduct drive at different levels against such campaign on tobacco products through taskforce.

Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2013, prohibits tobacco advertising in any print and electronic media, distribution or supply to the public any leaflet, handbill or document which carries the brand name, colour, logo, trademark, mark, sign or advertisement of tobacco products.

Distribution of free and discounted tobacco products, giving or accepting any gift, prize, scholarship or entering into any agreement or understanding with any person to arrange any tournament for the purpose of promoting the use of tobacco products are also prohibited under the act.