Tangail Biri Workers Demanding Strengthening Tobacco Control Law

A human chain was held in front of the Tangail District Press Club demanding the strengthening of the tobacco control law to ensure public health and advance the goal of a tobacco-free Bangladesh.

On wednesday The event was organized by the Development Organization of the Rural Poor-DORP and brought together biri workers, labor leaders, youth representatives, journalists, and civil society members from Tangail.

Speakers at the event included Nazmul Haque, President of the Tangail Regional Biri Workers’ Union; Shah Alam Miah, General Secretary; union member Joymon Bibi; journalist Borhan Talukder; among others. In their speeches, they described the harsh realities of biri production, highlighting it as a low-wage and hazardous occupation. Although the demand for biris has declined nationally, many workers - particularly women and children - remain dependent on this work due to limited alternative livelihood opportunities. Most of these workers suffer from various health complications, a direct result of prolonged exposure to tobacco.

Speakers emphasized that the biri industry continues to exploit marginalized communities under the guise of employment. To address this exploitation, they called for immediate steps to strengthen the tobacco control law, enforce strict measures against child labor, and create sustainable alternative income sources.

At the conclusion of the event, the biri workers submitted a memorandum to the Tangail Deputy Commissioner. The memorandum outlined six key proposals based on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the draft amendments developed by the Health Services Division.

These included the removal of designated smoking areas in all public places and transport, a ban on the display of tobacco products at points of sale, prohibition of CSR activities by tobacco companies, protection of children and adolescents from the harmful effects of e-cigarettes, a complete ban on loose and retail sales of tobacco products, and increasing graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging from 50% to 90%.

The labor leaders urged the swift passage of these amendments in the interest of public health and the improvement of biri workers’ livelihoods. In response, the Deputy Commissioner expressed solidarity with the workers and assured support in strengthening the tobacco control law.