|| Staff Correspondent: A human chain was held at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on Friday demanding the immediate formulation and implementation of Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) regulations to protect public health and help consumers make informed and healthy food choices.The programme was organized by the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and attended by students from different universities and representatives of various youth organizations.During the human chain, participants said that the consumption of processed and packaged foods is rapidly increasing in Bangladesh. Consequently, the intake of foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats is also rising, contributing significantly to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.The speakers mentioned that the implementation of FOPL systems in many countries around the world has increased healthy food choices and reduced the consumption of unhealthy foods. They also noted that growing consumer awareness has encouraged food manufacturers to improve the nutritional quality of their products.Students participating in the programme carried symbolic, easy-to-understand, and visible placards displaying FOPL warning messages. They demanded that FOPL be made mandatory and that warning labels be clearly displayed on the front of food packages in a simple and understandable manner. According to them, such measures would help consumers better understand the health risks associated with food products and enable them to make informed decisions more easily.The participants also stated that the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) has already initiated the drafting process of FOPL regulations. They urged the authorities concerned to finalize, adopt, and implement the policy without delay in the interest of public health.Speaking as the chair of the event, Mukhlesur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, said, “Implementing effective health regulations on packaged foods is extremely important to protect public health. Like 44 countries around the world, Bangladesh must introduce FOPL policies as a matter of urgency.”The organizers emphasized that an effective FOPL system is essential to spread the message — “See, Understand, Then Buy” — among the general public. They said such a system would play an important role in improving public health, reducing healthcare costs, and building a more health-conscious society.The human chain was coordinated by Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing, Prochesta Foundation, Sonali Sokal, Muktakkhor, Voice Youth, Mission Green Bangladesh, and Mahbuba Rahman, Project Coordinator of the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission.