Photo: Collected
Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Mohammad Almojaddedi Alfesani has stressed effective monitoring of whether tobacco products are being sold at the university’s residential halls and various shops on the campus. He also said that if there is any matter of approval or permission from the university for the sale of tobacco products, it should be reviewed and necessary action taken.
He made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting organised to ensure a tobacco- and smoking-free campus at the meeting room of the university’s Shaheed Mofazzal Haider Chaudhury Arts Building on Tuesday (29 September). The meeting was held at the joint initiative of Dhaka University Journalists’ Association and DORP.
Professor Almojaddedi Alfesani said effective steps must be taken alongside awareness to protect the young generation from the harmful effects of tobacco and smoking. He stressed taking the initiative to build a tobacco-free campus forward into an implementable action plan rather than keeping it confined to discussion meetings.
Advising that students’ awareness be raised by displaying anti-tobacco leaflets, posters and stickers at various places on the campus, he said a coordinated initiative of the university administration, teachers, students, journalists and the organisations concerned is needed to reduce the use of tobacco and smoking among the youth. He also said the administration will provide necessary cooperation if implementable proposals are given by the organisers.
At the meeting, speakers discussed the health risks of tobacco and smoking, the existing laws and regulations on tobacco control, control of the sale of tobacco products on the campus, raising students’ awareness and the role of the media in this regard. They stressed conducting regular awareness activities alongside effective enforcement of laws and policies to ensure tobacco-free educational institutions.
With Dhaka University Journalists’ Association President Md Manjur Hossain in the chair, Arts Faculty Dean Professor Dr Md Abul Kalam Sarker was the special guest at the meeting. DORP founder and Chief Executive Officer AHM Noman delivered the welcome address.
Journalists’ Association General Secretary Liton Islam presented the objective and background of the event. DORP Programme Coordinator Zeba Afroz presented the keynote paper. The discussants were CTFK Bangladesh Programme Manager Md Abdus Salam Miah and DORP adviser and retired secretary Md Azhar Ali Talukder. Leaders of the Journalists’ Association along with officials concerned, journalists and guests were present at the event.
