, Aug. 31 -- Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain on Monday said reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh is not possible without effective tobacco control.

"Effective measures must be taken to reduce tobacco use to protect public health and safeguard the younger generation from nicotine addiction," he said while addressing a seminar titled "Actions to Control Non-Communicable Diseases and Protect Future Generations from the Harmful Effects of Tobacco and Nicotine" as the chief guest.

Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) organised the programme at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre in the capital.

Het minister said around 71 percent of all deaths in Bangladesh are caused by NCDs, whil...