Bangladesh’s fight against tobacco products has a strong relation to its political environment and health objectives. As the new government led by the BNP, it inherits a major legacy in the implementation of the tobacco control law in the country. Because Bangladesh was one of the first countries in the world to sign the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) (16 June 2003), led by the ruling party BNP’s government and ratified it in 2004, and it came into implementation on 27 February 2005.
After the signing of WHO FCTC the story begins back in 15th March 2005 when a government led by the BNP enacted the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act. It was a crucial moment when most developing countries were hesitant to take a strong position on tobacco control, and Bangladesh’s move was a strong promise of prioritizing public health over economic interests.
The current situation in Bangladesh is very alarming. Around 3.78 Crore people more than 15 years old are using tobacco products. Between them, smokers are 1.92 crore and smokeless tobacco users are 2.20 crore (GATS Survey 2017). 9 % of male child aged between 13-15 years and 2.8 % female children are addicted to tobacco. (Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2013)
The Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act 2005 was implemented to protect our public health. It prohibited smoking in certain public places and on public transport, reduced tobacco advertising, and required health warnings to be displayed on tobacco products. It addressed issues of selling tobacco to young people by tobacco companies because they will be their longtime customer for the next 30 years. On a regional scale, it was ahead of its time because it aligned with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that Bangladesh had signed before. It established law including penalties for those who violate it, so tobacco control is now a legal responsibility other than just a moral argument.
The Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act 2005 was quite important, but it was not without its limitations. There was still the provision for designated smoking areas in some public places. This contradicts the objective of a totally smoke-free place. It also creates disturbance in the implementation process. The health warnings on cigarette packets were also limited in terms of size. Indirect advertisements and promotional events for tobacco at a concert are happening. According to Tobacco Advertising & Youth, the essential facts, every day, 80,000-100,000 young people around the world become addicted to tobacco. As the world over proves, the tobacco lobby is quite adept at circumventing the law. Bangladesh was no exception.
In response to these gaps, Parliament revised the law in 2013. Parliament reduces the scope of smoke-free zones by abolishing most designated smoking areas in public places, to protect the nonsmokers from passive ingestion of tobacco smoke. Parliament also implemented larger graphic health warnings to 50 % on cigarette packets, which helped the general people to become more aware about the health hazards of tobacco use. Advertising, promotion, and sponsorship regulations were also further strengthened, bringing Bangladesh closer to the global best practice. There was a clear sign of government to protect public health in the revised law.
The map of tobacco control was not static. The last decade under the amended law in 2013 saw a major change in the way people consume their media, products are promoted, and new products emerge. The promotion of products took an indirect route through online drama, web series, cinema and clever displays at the point of sale. The sale of single sticks made products cheap and easily accessible to the students. The rise of new products like e-cigarettes and the strategy in their promotion created a disadvantage for policymakers that was not anticipated under the old law. At the same time, the public health problem remained a major issue. Tobacco-related deaths exceed 160,000 people in Bangladesh each year.
In this regard, the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 represents an important step to fill out the loopholes in this law. Issued during the interim period, the measure aims to fill existing loopholes and address current issues. It stated direct ban on promotion of smoking in entertainment media and designated smoking areas, prohibition of the sale and use of tobacco products within 100 meters of schools, hospitals, clinics and playgrounds, and provides clarity on enforcement. In short, it follows on from the 2005 measures and the 2013 strengthening, bringing the law up to date with current realities. However, it did not include any amendment for banning the sale of cheap single-stick cigarettes, which should be included to save the young generation from starting their addiction.
Constitutionally, the 2025 Ordinance has to secure parliamentary approval within 30 working days from the beginning of the 1st session of elected MPs. This may be a challenge and an opportunity. For the BNP-led government, supporting and converting the ordinance into law will not indicate a departure from the past but rather follow the legacy the ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia left behind. After all, it was a BNP-led government that first demonstrated political will in 2005. By supporting the 2025 Tobacco Control law ordinance, the current government will be reassuring its longstanding commitment to save public health.
It is not a matter of any party politics; it is a matter for all Bangladeshi citizens. The future of each generation is at stake. The younger generation is more vulnerable today because new media and existing retail strategies continue to attract them. When laws are not sufficiently strong, enforcement authorities are unable to implement any fine or punishment with tobacco sales tactics. The tobacco industry, with its vast resources and global expertise, benefits from any delay or confusion arising from the law. Prompt action by Parliament would demonstrate its commitment: Bangladesh is ready to stand up against tobacco harm.
The effect is not limited to the numbers on a statistical chart. When individuals are healthier, the economy becomes more resilient, healthcare demands are minimized, and national progress is kept on schedule. Parliament must seize the opportunity, within the 30 working days provided, to make the 2025 Ordinance law, thereby paying homage to the past leaders, safeguarding the health of millions, and ensuring that Bangladesh continues to move forward to a tobacco-free society.
Professor Dr ArupRatan Choudhury
Founder President MANAS
Visiting Professor, Department of Dental Surgery
BIRDEM General Hospital
