The Faculty of Public Health of Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS) has adopted a policy of non-cooperation with tobacco companies in accordance with Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
The BUHS adopted such policy as the first university in Bangladesh.
The Faculty of Public Health of BUHS, Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance (BATA) and WBB Trust on Wednesday (June 7, 2023) signed the “Code of Conduct” in a meeting on “Adopting Guidelines for the Protection of Policies Supporting Public Health Promotion”.
Such initiative of Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS) took the tobacco control program in the country one step further. University teachers, students and public health experts were present in the meeting.
Dean of the Faculty of Public Health Professor Dr. Anwar Hossain presided over the meeting where BUHS Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Faridul Alam attended the event as the chief guest. The meeting was attended, among others, by Head of Programme at Vital Strategies Md. Shafiqul Islam, Technical Adviser of The Union Syed Mahbubul Alam, BATA’s Helal Ahmed, Associate Professor of Dhaka International Universit Md Bazlur Rahman, and Syeda Ananya Rahman of WBB Trust.
Project Officer of WBB Trust Samiul Hasan Sajib presented the keynote speech at the event which was moderated by Associate Professor of BUHS Palash Chandra Banik.
The chief guest in his speech said that Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS) has a strong position against tobacco. He called upon all government institutions to take necessary initiatives to adopt the "Code of Conduct" besides withdrawing the government's shares from tobacco companies.
Other speakers said that tobacco companies are trying to influence individuals or organizations. Implementation of Article 5.3 is essential to ensure transparency and accountability of tobacco companies. It is necessary to take steps to protect the policy without any negotiation, sponsorship, joint program or even assistance in promotional activities with tobacco companies.
