Dainik Mathabhanga, June 1, 2022, With the slogan “Tobacco-Free Environment, a Healthier Bangladesh”, World No Tobacco Day 2022 was commemorated through vibrant rallies and discussion sessions in Chuadanga, Meherpur, and Jibannagar Upazila. The events drew attention to the harmful effects of tobacco and drugs, calling for collective action to protect the youth from addiction.
🔹 Chuadanga District
The main rally in Chuadanga was inaugurated at 10 AM by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aminul Islam Khan from the DC office courtyard. The rally marched through the town’s main streets and concluded with a discussion meeting at the District Commissioner’s Conference Room.
Speakers included:
- Dr. Auliya Rahman, Upazila Health Officer (representing the Civil Surgeon)
- Additional District Magistrate Arafat Rahman
- Former Principal Siddiqur Rahman, Chuadanga Govt. College
- Acting District Education Officer Ataur Rahman
Speakers stressed that nearly 4 crore people in the country are exposed to secondhand smoke and emphasized that legislation alone cannot curb tobacco use. A sustained social movement is necessary for effective tobacco control and sustainable development.
They also urged tobacco users to quit immediately and encouraged farmers to shift from tobacco to food crop cultivation. Importantly, the speakers called for collective efforts to protect youth from the grasp of narcotics.
🔹 Jibannagar Upazila
A separate rally and discussion were held at Jibannagar, organized by the Upazila Administration. The rally started at 10 AM and was followed by a session in the Upazila conference hall, presided over by UNO Md. Ariful Islam.
Speakers included:
- Upazila Chairman Haji Md. Hafizur Rahman
- Assistant Commissioner (Land) Tithi Mitra
- Vice Chairman Abdus Salam Isha
- Female Vice Chairman Ayesha Sultana Lucky
- Food Controller Md. Obaidul Islam
- Social Services Officer Zakir Uddin Moral
- Journalist Salauddin Kajol
Government officials and local school students participated enthusiastically in the event.
🔹 Meherpur District
In Meherpur, the day was observed with a rally starting at 9:30 AM, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education) Ashraful Bhuiyan. The procession moved through the town and ended at the DC office, followed by a formal discussion.
Key participants included:
- Shamsul Alam, Deputy Director, Department of Agricultural Extension
- UNO Asaduzzaman Ripon, Sadar Upazila
- Dr. Alok Kumar Das, Health & Family Planning Officer, Sadar Upazila
- Dr. Mokhlesur Rahman, RMO, 250-bed General Hospital
- Dr. S.M. Shafiul Islam, Junior Health Education Officer, Civil Surgeon Office
- Tariqul Islam, Sanitary Inspector
- Touhid Ud Doula, Executive Director, Ashray Samaj Unnayan Sangstha
- Moin-ul-Alam, Executive Director, Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha
Government staff, nurses, and students from various schools and colleges actively participated in both the rally and discussion.
