Advertisement Restriction and Tobacco consumption:A Case Study of Dhaka Rickshaw-pullers

Abstract

Tobacco control policies are essential to improve the file of the poor as well as the economic welfare of the country. Bangladesh loses 5% of its GNP due to malnutrition. The level of poverty increased because of tobacco consumption both at the individual and national level. The consumption of a pack per day of an inexpensive brand like navy can constitute 4% of household income. If tobacco consumption can be eliminated, it will save US $ 15 million annually which is used to import tobacco, and will increase job opportunities by 18% if smokers spend their money on other goods and services, as well as increase investment in housing, education and health care. This paper investigates the null hypothesis that increase of advertising restriction will not decrease tobacco consumption among the poor rickshaw-pullers of Bangladesh and uses a limited version of the rational addition model. This paper shows that advertising restriction has a positive impact on the poor rickshaw pullers of Bangladesh since it decreases the consumption of tobacco. If the new law becomes effective, it can save the lives of millions of citizen from health hazard and death