Children and teenagers demand to Ban smoking scenes in dramas and movies
On February 22, 2024 at 3:30 pm in front of the TSC Raju Memorial Sculpture of Dhaka University, a leaflet campaign and solidarity program organized by Madok Drabo O Nesha Nirodh Sangstha (MANAS) and Protyasha Anti-Drug organization with the participation of children and teenagers and tobacco control activist. For demanding to ban smoking scenes in dramas, movies and web series in all media. In this program MANAS founder president Heroic Freedom Fighters Professor Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury, General Secretary of Protyasha, Helal Ahmed, Development Activities of Society, team leader Aminul Islam Bakul, Work for Better Bangladesh, Tobacco control and Research Cell representative and MANAS officials participated.
Professor Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury said that teenagers are going astray due to cigarette companies’ clever advertisements, campaigns and mischief. If there is no smoking scene, the film business will not be successful, the makers, artist-crew, producers, directors all have to come out of this misconception. Directors, Producers and all artists are required to focus on film production while respecting state laws. Besides, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Bangladesh Film Censor Board, etc., need to take action in this regard.
Helal Ahmed said, the misguidance of teenagers due to smoking and drugs is a big concern of the present time. The Hon’ble Prime Minister announced to make Bangladesh tobacco free by 2040 for the protection of youth and adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs. Let it be implemented effectively.
The speakers brought attention to alarming statistics, revealing the devastating toll of tobacco on public health, with 87 million deaths annually in the 20th century attributed to tobacco-related diseases. Among this number is a significant percentage of adolescent students who are tobacco users, a trend that leads to an increase in drug addiction.
In light of these concerns, the program demanded the effective implementation of the Tobacco Control law in dramas, films, and new media content. Total 60 children and adolescents and among anti-tobacco organization representatives participated in this movement.
