Ensuring policy-making free from tobacco industry influence is the first step to protecting public health, said former Health Minister and BNP Standing Committee Member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain.
He stated, "According to Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the commercial interests of the tobacco industry and the public interest can never be the same. The government must remain free from tobacco industry influence and commit to formulating public health-friendly policies."
He made these remarks on Thursday, while speaking as the Chief Guest at a seminar titled "Implementation of the WHO FCTC and the Government's Obligations in Complying with Article 5.3", organized by Dhaka Ahsania Mission at a hotel in the capital.
Speakers at the seminar said that any communication between government officials and tobacco companies must be made publicly accessible.
They emphasized that during law reform processes, the priority should be public health - not the interests of the tobacco industry - and that no consultations should be held with the tobacco industry to seek their opinions.
Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Health Affairs Secretary of BNP's National Executive Committee, attended as a special guest.
The seminar was also attended by Saifuddin Ahmed, Coordinator of the Anti-Tobacco Alliance; Barrister Mahfuzur Rahman Milon, Deputy Attorney General;
Presenting the keynote paper, Iqbal Masud, Director of Health and WASH Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission, said that tobacco industry interference is a major challenge in Bangladesh. "They engage in false propaganda, lobbying, and exerting influence to weaken the law. Yet, Article 5.3 of the FCTC clearly directs governments and policymakers to limit interactions with the tobacco industry," he said.
The seminar was presided over by Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission. The welcome speech was delivered by Shariful Islam, Coordinator of the Tobacco Control Project at Dhaka Ahsania Mission.
