FCTC Article 5.3 is one of the safeguard and tool of tobacco control. To implement this important article need to work strongly. National tobacco control cell can play an important role in taking initiatives for official implementation. Speakers from different network organization expressed their opinion in a view exchange meeting held on 21 June 2016 at Rayerbazar. The meeting was jointly organized by ACLAB, AID Foundation, Manobik, Nirapod Development Foundation, Prottasha Anti Drug Club, Bangladesh Anti Tobacco Alliance and WBB trust at WBB Trust conference room.
Speakers said, to prevent and control tobacco companies plot and attempt, there need to increase public awareness and public involvements in tobacco control programs. Though Bangladesh has done commendable progress in tobacco control but we are lagging behind in comparison to other countries for tobacco companies' unethical activities. Some countries in the world have taken initiatives in implementation of article 5.3. They have adopted measures and strategies to prevent TI interference in tobacco control. Like other countries, proper steps need to be taken to implement article 5.3 in our country.
The meeting was chaired by Helal Ahmed, Secretary General, Prottasha Anti Drug Club and moderated by Syeda Anonna Rahman, Program Manager, WBB Trust. Speeches given by Aminul Islam Bokul, Executive Director, AID Foundation; Ibnul Syed Rana, President, Nirapod Development Foundation; Tarikul Islam, Executive Director, ACLAB; Gaous Pearee, Director Admin, WBB Trust. Moreover, representatives from NGOs, volunteer organizations, youth group was present in the meeting.