They also suggested imposing high tax on tobacco products, as it would discourage people from consuming tobacco products.

The discussion was organised by ADHUNIK, an anti-tobacco forum, at the National Press Club in the city on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2007.

This year the theme of the day was 'Tobacco free environment is safe'.

Speaking at the programme, eminent environmentalist Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said the government gets handsome amount of revenue from cigarette companies, which might be a reason for the lax enforcement of tobacco-related act.

But if the widespread tax evasion by high-income group can be stopped, the government would get much larger amount, he observed.

Prof Muzaffer, also the chairman of Trustee Board of Transparency International Bangladesh, said despite advertisement by cigarette companies has been stopped, they are now continuing their advertisement in the name of social afforestation.

Quoting a study he said in recent days percentage of smokers among male students is decreasing while the rate is increasing among the female students.

Addressing the programme ADHUNIK President Dr Nurul Islam said imposing 200 to 300 percent tax on tobacco products would greatly contribute to keeping people away from these products.

He said the government has imposed taxes on cigarettes, but not on 'bidi' in which rural people are addicted.

Dr Islam, also a national professor, urged the religious leaders to launch campaign against smoking and all kinds of consumption of tobacco products.

He said religious leaders can preach that consumption of tobacco products is tantamount to committing suicide as its takers take it knowing the fatality of having these products.

No religion permits smoking, as it is harmful for health, he added.

Dr Islam said some people speak highly of the revenue received from the cigarette companies, but they do not account how much money is spent for treating tobacco-related ailments.

Moderated by Dr Kaniz Maula of ADHUNIK, the programme was also addressed by its Executive Secretary MA Zabbar, Editor of the Ittefaq Rahat Khan and Editor of Tobacco News AI Islam.

After the discussion Prof Mozaffer Ahmed, eminent eye specialist Prof Mudasser Ali, Vice-chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Prof Md Tahir, former director of the Institute of Food and Nutrition at Dhaka University Dr Keramat Ali and noted media personality Sheikh Reaz Uddin Badsha were awarded ADHUNIK Prize 2007 for their contribution to establishing a tobacco free society.