The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOH) has organized a programme on 11 June at Osmani Memorial Auditorium, Dhaka to observe the World No Tobacco Day 2013 (WNTD) under the chairmanship of Secretary, MOH. Professor Dr. Syed Modasser Ali, Adviser to the Honorable Prime Minister for MOH and Ministry of Social Welfare Affairs graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Dr. Captain (Retd.) Mozibur Rahman Fakir, MP, Hon'ble State Minister, MOH was present as the special guest. Director General of Health Services; WHO Representative to Bangladesh, President and Secretary General of Bangladesh Medical Association were present as special guests.

The speakers spoke about harmful effects of tobacco on public health and economy. They reiterated the need to create public awareness and to enforce the tobacco control law strictly. This year’s WNTD theme - ‘Ban Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship’ - was highlighted in their deliberations. It was mentioned that the Government has recently amended the tobacco control law to make it better aligned with WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Government also raised tax on Biri after four years. They expressed their satisfaction saying that, it is becoming more and more difficult and socially unacceptable to smoke in public places and public transports. They noted that, some tobacco farmers are shifting from tobacco to strawberry cultivation as well. Around 700 guests from various departments of the government, non-government organizations attended the programme.