"Smoking is similar to suicide, homicide and embryo killing," said Prof Islam, also the founder President of Adhunik, at a discussion marking the World No-Tobacco Day 2005.

The discussion was jointly organised by Adhunik, Coalition against Tobacco (CAT), LIFE and World Health Organisation (WHO) at the National Press Club in the city yesterday.

Referring to the Tobacco Control Act-2005, he also said that it was easy to formulate laws but the implementation of the law is even more difficult of a job.

He emphasised mass awareness against tobacco production and urged all, including the members of civil society, to come forward and raise awareness against the harmful effects of smoking.

The theme of this year's World No Tobacco Day is "Health Professionals and Tobacco Control".

"Every day, at least 700 kids in the country are dying from malnutrition. But it is possible to save these lives if the smokers give up smoking and use their money for children which they spend for tobacco," said Barrister Muhammad Jamir Uddin Sircar, Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, while addressing as chief guest.

He also said there is no positive ingredient in a cigarette and it destroys our social values. Tobacco is responsible for many diseases, including lung cancer, mouth cancer and breast cancer.

He suggested that chapters on negative effects of smoking be included in the secondary level school books.

The Independent Editor Mahbubul Alam told the discussion that large-scale awareness against smoking has not yet been developed in the country, as it should have been.

Among others, chairman of LIFE, Kamrul Islam Sony, member of Adhunik Professor DrKaniz Maola and CAT president Amanullah Khan also spoke at the discussion.

After the discussion, singer Fakir Alamgir performed a song and several anti-tobacco activists were awarded for their contribution in the anti tobacco campaign.

Earlier, a rally was brought out in front of the Press Club that paraded different streets of the city.

Meanwhile, Beximco Pharmaceuticals also brought out a rally in front of National Museum to mark the World no Tobacco Day-2005.

Health professionals - doctors, nurses, public health personalities and nutritionists started marching towards the National Press Club at 7:00am.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Beximco pharmaceuticals ltd. Nazmul Hassan said tobacco is a serious public health concern today.

Beximco pharmaceuticals is also launching other public awareness programmes with two non government and health care organisations to inform people about the injuries and effects of tobacco and the measures people could take to quit smoking.