Date: May 31, 2025
Venue: Conference Room, Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, Meherpur Sadar Upazila
To mark World No Tobacco Day 2025, a discussion meeting titled “Engaging NGOs in Sustainable Tobacco Control” was held at the conference room of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, Meherpur.
The event was jointly organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, the Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance, and the Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust.
The meeting was presided over by Mr. Moin-Ul-Alam, Executive Director of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, while Mr. Sirajul Islam, Acting Chairman of Amjhupi Union Parishad, attended as the Chief Guest.
Mr. Rafiqul Alam, President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Meherpur District Branch, attended as the Special Guest.
Also present were Union Parishad Members including Mr. Taofiq Elahi, Mr. Ashadul Haque, Mr. Arif Hossain, and Mr. Mokbul Hossain, as well as Ms. Anjuman Ara, Reserved Female Member of Amjhupi Union Parishad, and Mr. Abu Abid, Executive Director of the Society for the Promotion of Human Rights (SPHR).
During the session, Mr. Moin-Ul-Alam presented the keynote paper on “The Role of NGOs in Sustainable Tobacco Control.” Discussions focused on strengthening local-level coordination, integrating tobacco control into community development, and ensuring effective implementation of the Tobacco Control Act.
In his remarks, Mr. Sirajul Islam, Acting Chairman of Amjhupi Union Parishad, announced that a dedicated budget allocation for tobacco control initiatives would be included in the Union Parishad’s upcoming fiscal plan—marking a significant step toward sustainable local action against tobacco use.
The event concluded with a call for greater collaboration among government bodies, NGOs, and community leaders to build a tobacco-free, healthy, and sustainable Bangladesh.
