DHAKA: Several anti-tobacco platforms have called for stopping Jaya Ahsan-starrer Debi from screening on television and bioscope after 17th week since release of the movie.   

On Sunday (Feb 10), they made the demand at a press conference held at the VIP Lounge of Jatiya Press Club, accusing Debi of violating government rules and having smoking scenes. 

National Heart Foundation physician Dr Sohel Reza Chowdhury and Dhaka Ahsania Mission Assistant Director Mukhlisur Rahman address the briefing organized by AID Foundation, National Heart Foundation, National Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Bangladesh (NATAB), Dhaka Ahsania Mission and several anti-tobacco platforms.

The government-funded film unnecessarily has frequent smoking scenes which is prohibited as per the existing law, said the speakers.

Japan Tobacco International product Winston cigarette was shown in the movie which can be said as an advertisement of the tobacco brand, they added.

Excessive smoking scenes in Debi raised concern among the public health workers, they said further. 

The film is scheduled to air on a private satellite channel and bioscope on Feb 13, 14 which has been demanded to stop by the health concerning platforms. 

The speakers also urged the authorities concerned to ensure appropriate implementation of tobacco control law in movies, dramas and documentaries.

Debi was financed by government donation and produced under Jaya Ahsan’s production banner ‘C-te Cinema’ which released on Oct 9, 2018 and is still running in four multiplexes.  

The Onom Biswas directed film casts Jaya Ahsan, Shabnam Faria, Chanchal Chowdhury, Animesh Aich and Iresh Zaker in major roles.

BDST: 1711 HRS, FEB 10, 2019
SI/SMS