Effective tobacco tax needed to protect public health: Anee

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Wednesday said that effective tax on tobacco products is necessary in the upcoming national budget to protect public health.

He added that the revenue generated through the proposed tobacco tax measures would make a significant contribution to strengthening Bangladesh’s health sector, the minister said while addressing a seminar organised by Dhaka Ahsania Mission in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

The seminar was titled “The Need for Effective Tax and Price Increases on Tobacco Products to Control Tobacco-related Non-Communicable Diseases for Public Health Protection.”

Referring to the ruling BNP’s electoral commitment to controlling tobacco-related non-communicable diseases, the minister said they are determined to tackle the issue. He said efforts would be made to raise the matter at the National Parliament and other policy-making levels to help build a healthy, safe, and tobacco-free Bangladesh through higher taxes and prices on tobacco products.

Annie further said the government remains committed to protecting public health, and greater progress in tobacco control would be possible if taxes and prices on tobacco products are increased in the upcoming budget. He noted that tobacco use in Bangladesh is among the highest in South Asia, adding that while the current government is committed to safeguarding public health, it also has specific goals regarding tobacco control.

Presenting the keynote paper at the seminar, Professor Dr Shafiun Nahin Shimul, director of the Institute of Health Economics at University of Dhaka, said Bangladesh currently has a four-tier cigarette market, with nearly 90% of cigarettes sold belonging to the low- and middle-tier categories.

Due to their affordability and easy availability, these products are rapidly increasing addiction among young people and low-income groups. He also noted that the widespread availability of zarda, gul, and bidis is further fuelling tobacco use.

The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr Golam Rahman, president of Dhaka Ahsania Mission. Welcome remarks were delivered by the organisation’s Deputy Director of the Health Sector, Mokhlesur Rahman. Additional speakers included Additional Secretary of the Health Ministry Sheikh Momona Moni and former BCIC chairman Mostafizur Rahman, among others.