Students from eight universities on Saturday called for the swift formulation and implementation of Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) regulations on packaged foods to help consumers identify excessive sugar, salt and unhealthy fats and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
They made the call at the “Youth Voice for Front-of-Pack Labelling Debate Festival 2026” organised jointly by the Health and Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and the Dhaka University Debating Society at the Faculty of Business Studies auditorium of Dhaka University.
Students from Jahangirnagar University, Jagannath University, Bangladesh University of Professionals, BRAC University, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, United International University and Dhaka College participated in the debate.
The participants discussed the health risks of excessive sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, consumers’ right to information, healthy food choices, NCD prevention and the role of youth in food policy.
Speakers said an effective FOPL system would help ensure consumers’ right to information, encourage food producers to make healthier products and contribute to a healthier food environment.
They emphasized that young people can play a leading role in generating public awareness, public demand and support for public health, NCD prevention, and the swift formulation of FOPL regulations.
Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Al-Mojaddedi Alfasani said university students could play an important role in raising evidence-based public awareness.
BSTI Director General Kazi Imdadul Hoque said providing consumers with appropriate information is important alongside ensuring food quality and safety.
He said consumers should have access to information on foods high in salt, sugar and fat to make informed choices.
BFSA officials Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Prof Dr Mohammad Shoeb, Global Health Advocacy Incubator Bangladesh Country Lead Muhammad Ruhul Quddus and Dhaka Ahsania Mission Health and Nutrition Sector Director Iqbal Masud, among others, attended the programme.