Anti-tobacco campaign at IUBAT University to Ban Tobacco Scenes in Dramas, Films and Web Series
International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) students have called for stopping the promotion of smoking and drug use through their favorite artists in films, dramas and web series. On November 26, 2024 a campaign was organized on the campus of the university at the initiative of Madok Draba O Nesha Nirodh Sangstha (MANAS) and International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) demanding the stop of tobacco promotion in dramas, films and web series. The campaign program included human chains, rallies, signature campaigns, and leaflet distribution.
The program was inaugurated by IUBAT University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdur Rab and MANAS President Professor Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury was present as the guest of honor. Also present at the program were teachers from the Nursing Department of IUBAT University and officials from the Tobacco Control Project of MANAS. The human chain program was conducted by the project coordinator of MANAS, Umme Jannat.
Vice Chancellor of IUBAT University, Professor Dr. Prof Dr Abdur Rab, told the students that university education is an important stage in life for every student. At this stage, various types of persuasions such as addiction to hinder a student from reaching the desired goal. In this case, scenes of smoking and drug use in movies, the preferred entertainment medium, can bring negative results. If the youth go afield, overall development will be hampered and the goal of sustainable development will not be achieved. Therefore, it is necessary to stop scenes of tobacco and drug use in all entertainment programs soon.
MANAS President Professor Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury said that smoking and drug addiction have increased significantly among teenagers, which is worrying! Currently, it is seen that scenes of using various types of tobacco products are being broadcast in dramas, films and web series in violation of the Tobacco Control Law. In order to mislead the youth, scenes of using e-cigarettes in addictive products are being broadcast in popular entertainment programs to glamorize and present them as less harmful products. Children love to imitate. Scenes of using tobacco and other products through celebrities are one of the reasons for increasing the incitement to use tobacco among the youth. Therefore, the promotion of tobacco and all other addictive products in dramas, films and web series must be stopped.
Also, teachers and students of the nursing department spoke in the campaign program. In addition, through the performance of anti-smoking songs, festoons, the youth demanded the ban on smoking scenes in dramas, films and web series, and a signature program was held. At this time, the participants called on directors, producers, and artists to focus on social awareness and various positive issues in films instead of smoking and drugs.
