Students from eight universities in Bangladesh have called for the swift formulation and implementation of Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) regulations on packaged foods to provide consumers with easy-to-understand information about excessive sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, ensure consumers’ right to know, and contribute to the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The call was made at the day-long “Youth Voice for Front-of-Pack Labelling Debate Festival 2026,” jointly organised by the Health and Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and the Dhaka University Debating Society on Saturday at the auditorium of the Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka.
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 competition.
During the debate, the students presented arguments and evidence on the health risks associated with excessive consumption of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats in packaged foods, consumers’ right to information, healthy food choices, prevention of NCDs, and the role of young people in effective food policy.
Speakers said that although policy initiatives and processes related to FOPL have progressed, there is an urgent need to formulate and implement effective regulations. An effective FOPL system would not only ensure consumers’ right to information but also encourage food producers to manufacture healthier products and contribute to creating a healthier food environment in Bangladesh.
The initiative also aimed to increase young people’s knowledge of food and nutrition, encourage their meaningful participation in public health advocacy, generate greater media attention, and provide a platform for young people to communicate their views to policymakers.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the prize-giving ceremony, Professor Dr Al-Mojaddedi Alfasani, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, said, “University students can play an important role not only in raising awareness among themselves but also in creating evidence-based public awareness across society. Initiatives such as debates provide young people with opportunities to develop critical, reasoned thinking and participate responsibly in social issues.”
Speaking as a special guest, Kazi Imdadul Hoque, Director General of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), said, “Alongside ensuring food quality and safety, it is also important to provide consumers with appropriate information. In presenting information about foods high in salt, sugar and fat, emphasis should be placed on ensuring consumers have access to the information they need to make informed choices.”
Speakers further emphasised 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. “Our primary objective should be the swift formulation and implementation of effective FOPL regulations,” they said.
The prize-giving ceremony was also attended by Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker, Member (Law and Policy), Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA); Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb, Member (Food Industry and Production), BFSA; Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI); and Iqbal Masud, Director, Health and Nutrition Sector, Dhaka Ahsania Mission.
