Young advocates are set to launch a month-long social media campaign demanding mandatory front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) regulations in Bangladesh, calling for clear, accessible information on excessive sugar, salt and unhealthy fats in packaged foods to help consumers make informed choices and protect public health.
The announcement came at a workshop titled "Youth Advocates for FOPL: From International Evidence to Public Demand for Policy Action in Bangladesh", organised by the Health and Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Banglamotor, Dhaka, on Monday (19 October), according to the press release.
Drawing on international experience and research evidence, the campaign will highlight consumers' right to know and the need for effective policy measures to protect public health.
The workshop explored international experiences of FOPL implementation, Bangladesh's policy context and the role of young people in building public demand for effective food labelling regulations.
Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, member (law and policy) and joint secretary of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), attended as the chief guest.
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, senior policy and advocacy consultant at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), and Aminul Islam Sujon, technical adviser at Vital Strategies, attended as special guests. Mahbuba Rahman, project coordinator at Dhaka Ahsania Mission, delivered the welcome address.
Anwarul Islam Sarker said the government and BFSA were working to ensure food safety and protect public health. He expressed support for displaying nutritional information, including appropriate warning labels, prominently on the front of food packages in simple, understandable language.
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus discussed international experiences and Bangladesh's policy context, emphasising the importance of collective public support for formulating and implementing effective FOPL regulations based on international evidence and best practices.
Aminul Islam Sujon highlighted strategies for youth-led social media campaigns, explaining how young people could use digital platforms to raise awareness, engage the public and strengthen advocacy for policy change.
During the planned month-long campaign, young advocates will share evidence-based social media posts, short videos, quizzes and youth-led messages to stimulate public discussion on FOPL.
Beyond raising awareness, the initiative aims to generate stronger public demand for the timely finalisation and implementation of effective, mandatory and evidence-based FOPL regulations in Bangladesh.
Participating young people shared their views and proposed campaign activities to promote FOPL among the public, particularly through social media and educational institutions.
Mahbuba Rahman, FOPL project coordinator at Dhaka Ahsania Mission, facilitated the session. During the closing session, Marzana Muntaha, programme officer for advocacy and campaigns, outlined the next steps.
The organisers expressed hope that young people's collective efforts would strengthen public demand for effective FOPL implementation and contribute to a healthier food environment in Bangladesh.