World No Tobacco Day today

World No Tobacco Day is being observed across the globe today with renewed calls to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products and strengthen efforts to reduce their use.

Observed annually since 1988 under the initiative of the World Health Organisation, the day highlights the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and promotes policies aimed at protecting public health.

This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” focuses on exposing the marketing tactics used by tobacco and nicotine industries to attract consumers, particularly young people.

The campaign seeks to reveal how appealing packaging, flavored products and digital promotion contribute to nicotine dependency among adolescents and young adults.

Health experts warn that tobacco remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide. Smoking is linked to a range of life-threatening illnesses, including lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke and chronic respiratory disorders. Exposure to secondhand smoke also poses serious health risks to non-smokers.

In Bangladesh, tobacco use continues to be a major public health concern. Various estimates suggest that nearly 37.8 million people use tobacco products in the country, while tobacco-related diseases claim approximately 200,000 lives each year.

The economic burden is equally significant. In 2024, tobacco-related health and environmental damages were estimated at around Tk 87,000 crore, exceeding the revenue generated from the sector. Additionally, treatment costs and productivity losses associated with tobacco-related illnesses account for an estimated Tk 30,560 crore annually.

Environmental experts have also raised concerns over the impact of tobacco cultivation. Despite limited agricultural land, Bangladesh remains among the countries with extensive tobacco farming, which contributes to deforestation and environmental degradation. Large quantities of fuelwood are consumed each year to process tobacco leaves, particularly in Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban.

Globally, public health advocates are increasingly concerned about the rise of e-cigarettes, vaping products and flavored nicotine items, which are often marketed toward younger demographics. Social media platforms have become a key channel for promoting these products, raising concerns about growing nicotine addiction among teenagers.

Experts stress that stronger regulations, effective enforcement and sustained awareness campaigns are essential to reducing tobacco use and protecting future generations from the health and social consequences of nicotine addiction.