Dhaka, Aug. 23 -- An anti-tobacco youth march in Dhaka on Saturday called on the government to ensure the swift passage of a pending draft amendment to the Tobacco Control Act.

The march, which started at the Central Shaheed Minar and ended at Shahbagh, also asked the government to cancel its planned meeting with tobacco companies on the proposed law.

Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government and economist Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman inaugurated the programme and delivered the welcome address.

He said, "The harmful effects of tobacco are scientifically undeniable. I express my solidarity with the young people united here today in their demand to amend the Tobacco Control Act."

Other speakers at the event said tobacco claims nearly 161,0...