, Dec. 9 -- Women professionals on Tuesday urged policymakers to immediately pass the proposed amendment to the Tobacco Control Act to safeguard women's health and strengthen public health protections.

They made the call at a discussion organised to mark Begum Rokeya Day 2025 by the Bangladesh Women Journalists Forum and Nari Moitree at the Jatiya Press Club.

Women Journalists Forum also presented the Begum Rokeya Award to journalists Momtaz Bilkis, Mokbula Parvin and Rozy Ferdous at the event .

Speakers said Begum Rokeya was a pioneer in advancing women's rights and leadership, and her progressive vision continues to inspire movements for women's emancipation, education and equality.

In that spirit, they noted, amending the tobacco c...