With this end in view, the cabinet has already decided in principle to promulgate the law, he added.

He was speaking at a discussion organised by Manas, and association for the prevention of drug abuse in Bangladesh, on the occasion of "World No Tobacco Day."

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Begum Selima Rahman and State Minister for Land Advocate Ruhul Quddus Dulu were present as special guests.

Chaired by vice chancellor of Ibais University Prof Moniruzzaman Mia, the discussion was also addressed by medical officer of World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr George J Komba-Kano, general secretary of Manas actor Illyas Kanchan, singers Tapan Chowdhury and Ferdaus Wahid and organising secretary of Manas Matiur Rahman Talukdar.

Dr Arup Ratan Chowdhury presented the key-note paper.

Bhuiyan said the government has been taking stern action against drug and drug trafficking. A dark future would descend on the nation, if we fail to prevent our juveniles and youths from drug abuse as it destroys the working capability of human beings," he said.

He underscored the need for massive campaign against smoking to make the people, specifically the school and college students, aware of the adverse effect of tobacco.

Bhuiyan said actors, singers, politicians and teachers could play a vital role in the anti-tobacco campaign as they have strong influences on the society.

The minister assured that the government would extend all supports including financial and legal help to carry forward the anti-tobacco movement.

Dr Arup Ratan, in his keynote paper said 450 people are dying in every hour as a result of smoking. Quoting this year's no-tobacco day slogan -- "tobacco-free film, tobacco-free fashion-action," he said over 89 per cent of films made last year provoked viewers to smoking.

He said multinational tobacco companies have been trying to campaign in favour of smoking through different tactics targeting the juveniles and youths.