Actions will be taken to stop smoking scenes in dramas and films
— Information Secretary to MANAS delegation
Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Md. Humayun Kabir Khandakar has assured to take steps to stop showing smoking scenes in dramas, films, and web series aired on OTT platforms. In the morning of June 11, 2023, he gave the assurance in response to the request during an meeting with the Madok Drobbo Nesha Nirodh Sangstha (MANAS) delegation at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Under the leadership of heroic freedom fighter MANAS founder president Prof. Dr. Arupratan Choudhury there was present Project Coordinator, Umme Jannat and Project Officer, Abu Rayhan.
It is noted that, as per section-5 (e) of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005′ (amended in 2013), any film, drama, or documentary produced in Bangladesh or made available and broadcast, showing the use of tobacco products in television, radio, do not advertise, display or describe on the Internet, stage shows or any other media: as stated, which is mandatory.
On behalf of the delegation MANAS founder and president Professor Dr. Aruparatan Choudhury said that the number of drug addicts in the country is increasing at an alarming rate (currently around 1 crore) and one of the main reasons is the unrestrained use of tobacco products. Its main victim is our society’s youth. It is the young people whose followers (film actors) are spreading harmful and bad habits like smoking. Our Honorable Prime Minister has declared to make Bangladesh tobacco-free, and laws have been enacted to control tobacco. But, actors, and makers of dramas, films, and web series broadcast on television, social media, and OTT platforms are violating the law. For the well-being of the youth, immediate steps should be taken to stop smoking scenes in dramas, films, and web series. Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Film Censor Board, and other officials need to pay more attention to this.
Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Md. Humayun Kabir Khandakar said that legal action will be taken soon to stop screening smoking scenes in dramas and films. In future, instructions will be given to the relevant departments of the ministry to prevent violation of state laws. It is necessary to work together to implement the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s declaration of ‘Tobacco Free Bangladesh’.
