World Cancer Society Bangladesh holds anti-tobacco rally on World No Tobacco Day
The World Cancer Society Bangladesh organised an anti-tobacco rally and awareness campaign in the capital on Saturday, 31 May 2026, to mark World No Tobacco Day.
The rally began in the afternoon from the National Press Club premises. After parading through several key streets in the capital, it concluded at the Central Shaheed Minar.
Participants carried placards and banners highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaping. They also distributed leaflets among pedestrians.
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The campaign urged young people to become aware of the severe health risks associated with tobacco and addictive products.
Dr Syed Humayun Kabir, public health and cancer prevention researcher and President of World Cancer Society Bangladesh, chaired the event.
Professor Dr Md Habibullah Talukder Ruskin, Chief Adviser of the organisation, attended the programme as the chief guest.
Speaking at the event, Professor Dr Habibullah Talukder Ruskin said the spread of tobacco and e-cigarettes is putting the country's youths at serious health risk.
"The spread of tobacco and e-cigarettes is putting the country's youth at serious health risk. To save the next generation, the government, families, educational institutions, media and social organisations must work together," he said.
He also called for strict implementation of tobacco control laws and effective measures to stop the easy availability of e-cigarettes and vaping products.
In his presidential address, Dr Syed Humayun Kabir said the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes is rising alarmingly in the country, with marketing and promotional campaigns specifically targeting young people.
He warned that these products increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses, while pushing youths into nicotine addiction.
"We must stop the culture of presenting tobacco as a symbol of modernity or personality," Dr Kabir said.
He emphasised the urgent need to impose high taxes on tobacco products, increase prices and implement effective laws to control the import, marketing and promotion of e-cigarettes and vaping items.
Dr Kabir further stressed that alongside law enforcement, public awareness must be increased to build a tobacco-free future.
He also suggested discouraging tobacco farming and providing necessary support to encourage farmers to cultivate alternative profitable and eco-friendly crops.
Doctors, healthcare workers, engineers, organisation members, volunteers, scouts, students and people from different professions participated in the programme.
