HC issues rule to stop smoking in drama, movie scenes

PBC News:  High Court has issued a rule asking why the actors playing various roles, including the main characters in dramas and movies, should not be asked to stop smoking and use of tobacco products.

Health Secretary, Law Secretary, Home Secretary, Information Secretary and Chairman of Bangladesh Film Censor Board have been asked to reply to the rule within the next four weeks.

A virtual bench of the High Court comprising Justice JBM Hasan and Justice Rajik Al Jalil passed the order after hearing a writ petition.

Moniruzzaman Lincoln, a Supreme Court lawyer representing the petitioner, while the state was represented by deputy attorney general Tushar Kanti Roy.

Earlier on February 3, a writ was submitted to the High Court seeking directives to stop smoking and using of tobacco products in the drama and movie scenes.

Advocate Moniruzzaman Lincoln submitted the writ on behalf of Bangladesh Cancer Society, anti-drug organisation ‘Pratyasa,’ and Population Development Organisation (PDO).

Lincoln said there are some restrictions over smoking and use of tobacco products under the law, but those restrictions are not properly followed.

He said there are many scenes of smoking being displayed and tobacco products being used in different films and dramas without issuing any caution.

“No person shall use advertisements of tobacco products in cinema halls, radio stations and television channels,” he said citing a provision of the law.