BATA Coordinator Saifuddin Ahmed presided over the meeting and speeches given by Vital Strategies Bangladesh Adviser Md. Shafiqul Islam. In the program, prominent social worker, politician, and president of National Anti Tuberculosis Association of Bangladesh (NATAB)Mozaffar Hossain Poltu has been honored with anti-tobacco award 2016. Secretary General of Prottasha Anti-Drug’s Cub Helal Ahmed gave welcome speech and Adviser of Manobik Rafiqul Islam Milon read out a short biography of honored eminent personality Mozaffar Hossain Poltu.

Speakers said, since 09 October 1999 Bangladesh Anti Tobacco Alliance has been officially started its journey by preventing BAT’s misleading campaign “Voice of Discovery”, this day is observed as 'National No Tobacco Day'. It is alarming that, tobacco companies are leading young people towards addiction through the deceptive campaign strategy. The tobacco companies should be brought under punishment according to the law to stop the illegal campaign. Tobacco companies’ these kind of unethical activities have to prevent through united way.

Earlier in the program, BATA Coordinator Saifuddin Ahmed and Vital Strategies Bangladesh Adviser Md. Shafiqul Islam handed-over a memorandum of gold medal and a citation letter to Mozaffar Hossain Poltu. The whole audience congratulated the veteran politician and social worker with standing ovation.

Mozaffar Hossain Poltu said, ‘this award is for all anti-tobacco activists. Tobacco and smoking is the reason for complicated and long-term disease like cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes etc. Many families are becoming destitute of these diseases caused by smoking tobacco. But tobacco companies are trying to lead the teenagers to intoxication of tobacco. These activities have to prevent strictly.’