National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC), Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh organized an inter-ministerial meeting held on 18 September 2018 afternoon at the meeting room of the MoHFW, Bangladesh secretariat. Meeting was presided by Mr. Md. Habibur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary (Public Health and World Health), Health Services Division of MoHFW.

This meeting discussed about the Bangladesh progress on tobacco control and future plan, such as National Tobacco Control Program. Mr. Md. Khairul Alam Sheikh, coordinator (Joint secretary), NTCC presented draft National Tobacco Control Program at the meeting.  

In the presentation, NTCC coordinator has said that, from 2009 to 2017, tobacco consumption significantly reduced from 43.3% in 2009 to 35.3% in 2017 in which relative reduction is about 18.5%. He also mentioned that, Bangladesh has several mandatory commitment on tobacco control these includes WHO 9 voluntary targets on NCDs (30% relative reduction of tobacco use by 2025), UN Sustainable Development Goals target 3.a (strengthened FCTC implementation) and 3.4 (one third reduction of NCDs) and honorable Prime Minister Commitment to make country tobacco free by 2040.

To achieve those targets, a comprehensive National Tobacco Control Program is necessary and NTCC has prepared a draft to be finalize very shortly. He thank to Bloomberg Philanthropies and The Union for their continuous support to NTCC for effective tobacco control in Bangladesh.

Representatives from different ministries of the government of Bangladesh provided their valuable comments and feedback to make effective National Tobacco Control Program. They also assured that their respective ministries will take necessary steps to make country tobacco free by 2040 as the vision made by Honorable Prime Minister.