A workshop titled "Towards a Tobacco-Free Cox's Bazar Sea Beach and Hospitality Sector" was held on Thursday, with speakers unanimously urging coordinated action to achieve this goal.
The event, organized by the National Tobacco Control Cell of the Health Ministry with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), took place at a local hotel. Participants included government and non-government officials, health experts, hotel and restaurant owners, and media professionals.
Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Services Division, attended as the chief guest. He emphasized the global significance of the initiative, stating, "Cox's Bazar is not only a key city for Bangladesh but also a major tourist destination for the world. Making this city and the world's longest sea beach tobacco-free would set a laudable example for the entire country."
Special guests at the event included Additional Secretary Sheikh Momena Moni, Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin, and Dr. Rajesh Narwal, Acting WHO Representative to Bangladesh.
The speakers highlighted that effective tobacco control requires not only strict law enforcement but also robust public awareness campaigns. They called for a united effort from the administration, business community, and citizens to maintain Cox's Bazar as a tobacco-free tourist city.
The workshop was chaired by Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. Abdul Mannan. He assured attendees that the administration has already taken plans to ensure smoke-free environments in beach areas, hotels, motels, and restaurants.
Participants at the workshop recommended several measures, including the effective implementation of the tobacco control law, continuous awareness-raising activities, and the establishment of designated 'Tobacco-Free Zones' in all hospitality establishments.
Concluding the event, all participants pledged to work collaboratively under the slogan, "Tobacco-Free Cox's Bazar: A First Step Towards Healthy Tourism."
