January 14, 2013 - Bangladesh unveiled a "Death Clock" in its capital, Dhaka, to
raise awareness about smoking-related deaths in a country which ranks among the world's
highest in tobacco consumption. Around 57,000 people die annually from tobacco-related
diseases in Bangladesh, on average 156 people per day, said Sayed Badrul Karim from
the Progga NGO, which is supported by the Washington-based Campaign for Tobacco-Free
Kids (CTFK). The "Death Clock", which keeps a rolling tally of people dying of tobacco-related
illnesses each day, was installed on a busy road near Prime Minister’s residence on
the way to the national parliament house in the capital. "The Death Clock will be
on until the next parliament session which will be in session on January 27," said
Taifur Rahman, Advocacy and Media Coordinator in Bangladesh of CTFK. The aim was
to attract the attention of policymakers and win public support. It was unveiled
by Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu on Saturday. An estimated 58 percent of men
and 29 percent of women use some form of tobacco in Bangladesh. The country is considering
introducing a law to restrict the use of tobacco and increasing taxes on tobacco products.