Bangladesh pledges tobacco-free future, stronger regulations.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his government is committed to building a tobacco-free Bangladesh with the collective participation of all.
"We are firmly determined to build a healthy, functional and tobacco-free Bangladesh with the collective participation of all and the coordinated efforts of the government," he said in a message issued here today marking the 'World No Tobacco Day-2026'.
The Prime Minister said, "The 'World No Tobacco Day 2026' is being observed in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world… I think this year's theme- “Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction” is time-befitting."
He said the nicotine found in tobacco causes severe addiction while the use of any tobacco and nicotine products including bidis, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, jorda and gul, is one of the main causes of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, stroke, various types of cancer and chronic lung diseases.
Citing data from the World Health Organization, he said about 71 percent of the total deaths in Bangladesh occurred due to non-communicable diseases. The main risk factor for the disease is tobacco and nicotine use.
According to the Tobacco Atlas 2025, he said more than 199,000 people die every year in Bangladesh from tobacco-related diseases.
Mentioning a study carried out by the Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka, the Premier said the annual loss to the country's economy, including health costs, environmental damage and reduced productivity, due to tobacco use is more than Taka 87,000 crore.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said his government is committed to protecting the future generations, including children and adolescents, from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine.
To protect public health, he said, Bangladesh signed the FCTC in 2003, ratified it in 2004 and enacted the Tobacco Control Act in 2005. In continuation of this, amendments have been made to further strengthen the Tobacco Control Act.
The Prime Minister said all types of advertisement, publicity and promotion of tobacco products have been banned to prevent children and adolescents from the temptation of tobacco use.
In this context, he said tobacco advertising is prohibited in all media, including print and electronic media, internet, social media, apps, OTT platforms, dramas and movies.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said tobacco company’s advertisement under the guise of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has also been banned. However, the sale of tobacco has been banned within 100 meters of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, sports venues and children's parks.
Besides, he said tobacco and nicotine products sale to those under 18 is completely prohibited. Smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption have been banned in public places and public transport.
"Punishment and fines for violating various sections of the law have also been increased. Effective implementation of the new regulations and increasing public awareness are the demand of time to control tobacco use," the Premier added.
He wished every success of the programmes undertaken marking the 'World No Tobacco Day 2026'.
