Different organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day.

Bangladesh Cancer Foundation and World Health Organisation (WHO) will bring out a procession from Shahbagh crossing in the morning in the city to create awareness about harmful effects of tobacco and its products.

Adhunik and Coalition Against Tobacco (Cat) will also bring out a separate procession from the National Press Club and hold a seminar at the VIP Lounge of the club.

Manash, an organisation fighting against the use of narcotics and drug abuse, will organise a seminar at the National Museum at 11.00am.

Information Minister M Shamsul Islam will be the chief guest.

It has been estimated that there are some 20 million smokers and 1.5 crore tobacco users in the country.

A British American Tobacco press release yesterday said their business contributes to the economy of Bangladesh through employment generation, payment of tax and earning of foreign exchange.

The BAT currently employs more than 1300 people and provides indirect employment to another 24,500 farmers, distributors and suppliers.