Using tobacco surcharge in tobacco control as well as prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases is necessary. By this, it will be possible to strengthen tobacco control and disease prevention. For this finalization of processed surcharge management policy is necessary. This is sought in view exchange meeting organized by National Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Bangladesh and Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust today 16 April, 2017 at NATAB meeting room.

NATAB president Mozaffar Hossain Poltu presided over the meeting while Secretary General of Prottasha Anti-Drug Club Helal Ahmed; Director of WBB Trust Gaous Pearee; Executive Director of BUKS Hasinur Rahman and Program Manager of WBB Trust Syeda Anonna Rahman discussed. WBB Trust’s project officer Sharmin Akter Rini presented keynote speech and Fahmida Islam moderated the program.

Mozaffar Hossain poltu said, “We are pretty much successful in tobacco control. Graphic Health Warning has been implemented in the tobacco packages and health development surcharge imposed on all kinds of tobacco products.  Now its necessary to formulate a policy on how to use the money for health development. I hope, we have to meet with high-level official for immediate implementation of surcharge management policy. We will continue our advocacy with related ministers’ regarding the issue.

Speakers said, as a nation, Bangladesh economic is developing and foreign aids are shrinking. So, we have to create own source to improve public health. Government imposed surcharge on tobacco products; these money earned from surcharge should properly utilize in tobacco control and NCD prevention. Coordinated work needs for disease prevention. Short-term fund allocation have to be arranged from each different government organizations (such as local governments bodies) to implement tobacco control law.’