TDS Desk:

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has said that imposing taxes is one of the most effective methods for reducing tobacco consumption, though she emphasized that it is not the only solution.

The adviser was speaking at a seminar titled “Proposal for Effective Taxation on Cigarettes for Public Health Protection,” organized by Unnayan Samannay at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro on Tuesday.

“Despite existing laws banning the promotion of tobacco, cigarette companies continue to create incentives and attractions, which has led to a persistent consumption rate that refuses to decline,” she said.

“Research showed 35.3% of the country’s population consumes tobacco, meaning that one in every three individuals is a user. 22% of preventable deaths are directly linked to tobacco consumption,” said Farida.

Farida said: “According to SDG target 3.9, tobacco use needs to be significantly reduced to protect public health.”

She also called for amendments to the tobacco control law to ensure its enforcement by 2030.

Adviser Farida said that while there is apprehension within the National Board of Revenue about the impact of higher taxes on tobacco use, research consistently showed that although tobacco use may slightly decrease, the overall revenue would increase as a result.

The Adviser also called on leaders of the anti-discrimination movement to take a more active role in the tobacco control efforts, urging them to lead campaigns that will raise public awareness and encourage behavioural change.

Speakers at the seminar expressed concerns that although cigarette prices have gradually increased in recent years, this has not achieved the desired results. They called for more significant tax hikes, arguing that if cigarette prices become unaffordable, tobacco consumption will drastically decrease.

Zahid Rahman, senior program coordinator at Unnayan Samannay chaired the program.

Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, lead policy adviser of CTFK-Bangladesh, Dr SM Zulfiqar Ali, research director at BIDS, and Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, attended the program, among others.