It also called for launching a drive to control production, use and advertisement of tobacco products.

Two years have passed after the enactment of tobacco control law, but no steps have been taken to enforce it properly, Dr Arup Ratan Chowdhury, founding president of Manash, said at a press conference.

Still many people smoke in public places in violation of the law, he added.

He said 98 percent of drug addicts started taking drugs after they had become addicted to smoking and gradually they got addicted to stronger items such as heroin and phensidyl.

He also said most retail shops across the country have signboards with advertisements of cigarettes, but the law enforcement agencies remain indifferent to such illegal activities.

He demanded that the caretaker government launch an anti-tobacco drive similar to the drive against food adulteration.

Manash Vice-president actress Anjana, Joint General Secretary singer Ferdous Wahid and Treasurer Jahana Rashid also spoke at the press conference.