Govt steps up anti-tobacco drive, bans sales to minors: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is firmly committed to protecting public health and safeguarding future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products.

In a post on social media on Sunday, marking World No Tobacco Day 2026, the prime minister said this year’s theme -- “Unmasking the appeal: exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products” -- is highly relevant.

He said nicotine present in tobacco products causes severe addiction and noted that the use of cigarettes, bidis, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and other tobacco and nicotine products is among the major causes of heart disease, stroke, different types of cancer and chronic lung diseases.

Citing data from the World Health Organization, the prime minister said nearly 71% of total deaths in Bangladesh occur due to non-communicable diseases, with tobacco and nicotine use being one of the major risk factors.

He added that according to Tobacco Atlas 2025, more than 199,000 people die annually in Bangladesh from tobacco-related diseases.

Referring to research conducted by the Health Economics Institute of Dhaka University, he said tobacco use causes annual economic losses exceeding Tk87,000 crore through healthcare costs, environmental damage and reduced productivity.

The prime minister said the government remains committed to protecting children, adolescents and future generations from the harmful impacts of tobacco and nicotine.

He noted that Bangladesh signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003, ratified it in 2004 and enacted tobacco control laws in 2005. Amendments have since been introduced to further strengthen the legislation.

To protect children and adolescents from tobacco-related influences, all forms of advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products have been banned, he said, adding that tobacco promotion through print and electronic media, internet platforms, social media, apps, OTT platforms, dramas and films has also been prohibited.

He further said tobacco company promotions under the guise of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities have also been banned.

The prime minister said the sale of tobacco products has been prohibited within 100 metres of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, sports venues and children’s parks.

“Sale of tobacco and nicotine products to individuals under the age of 18 has been completely banned,” he said.

He added that smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco have also been prohibited in public places and public transport, while penalties and fines for violations of tobacco control laws have been increased.

The prime minister stressed the need for effective implementation of the new regulations and greater public awareness, saying collective participation and coordinated government efforts are essential to build a healthy, productive and tobacco-free Bangladesh.

He also wished success to all programmes undertaken marking World No Tobacco Day 2026.Sale of tobacco, nicotine products to under-18s banned: PM

Govt steps up anti-tobacco drive, bans sales to minors: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is firmly committed to protecting public health and safeguarding future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products.

In a post on social media on Sunday, marking World No Tobacco Day 2026, the prime minister said this year’s theme -- “Unmasking the appeal: exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products” -- is highly relevant.

He said nicotine present in tobacco products causes severe addiction and noted that the use of cigarettes, bidis, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and other tobacco and nicotine products is among the major causes of heart disease, stroke, different types of cancer and chronic lung diseases.

Citing data from the World Health Organization, the prime minister said nearly 71% of total deaths in Bangladesh occur due to non-communicable diseases, with tobacco and nicotine use being one of the major risk factors.

He added that according to Tobacco Atlas 2025, more than 199,000 people die annually in Bangladesh from tobacco-related diseases.

Referring to research conducted by the Health Economics Institute of Dhaka University, he said tobacco use causes annual economic losses exceeding Tk87,000 crore through healthcare costs, environmental damage and reduced productivity.

The prime minister said the government remains committed to protecting children, adolescents and future generations from the harmful impacts of tobacco and nicotine.

He noted that Bangladesh signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003, ratified it in 2004 and enacted tobacco control laws in 2005. Amendments have since been introduced to further strengthen the legislation.

To protect children and adolescents from tobacco-related influences, all forms of advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products have been banned, he said, adding that tobacco promotion through print and electronic media, internet platforms, social media, apps, OTT platforms, dramas and films has also been prohibited.

He further said tobacco company promotions under the guise of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities have also been banned.

The prime minister said the sale of tobacco products has been prohibited within 100 metres of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, sports venues and children’s parks.

“Sale of tobacco and nicotine products to individuals under the age of 18 has been completely banned,” he said.

He added that smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco have also been prohibited in public places and public transport, while penalties and fines for violations of tobacco control laws have been increased.

The prime minister stressed the need for effective implementation of the new regulations and greater public awareness, saying collective participation and coordinated government efforts are essential to build a healthy, productive and tobacco-free Bangladesh.

He also wished success to all programmes undertaken marking World No Tobacco Day 2026.