Leading tobacco control organisations have urged the government not to drop proposed bans on e-cigarettes and point-of-sale display of tobacco products, warning that such a move could undermine efforts to protect public health—particularly among young people.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the groups expressed “deep concern” over the reported decision to remove the provisions from the draft Tobacco Control (Amendment) Ordinance 2025.
They said emerging products like e-cigarettes pose significant health risks and often act as a gateway to nicotine addiction among youth. At the same time, visible display of tobacco products at retail outlets encourages consumption and increases uptake among children and adolescents.
“The removal of these provisions weakens Bangladesh’s tobacco control framework and opens the door to aggressive industry tactics,” the organisations said.
Prominent economist Hossain Zillur Rahman called on the government and parliament to reinstate the measures without delay. “Public health and protecting the youth from addiction must come before narrow profit interests,” he said.
The groups also pointed out that tobacco use remains a major public health burden in Bangladesh, claiming nearly 200,000 lives each year.
They said the overall economic cost of tobacco—estimated at around Tk 87,000 crore due to healthcare expenses and environmental damage—far exceeds the revenue generated from the sector.
According to available data, about 35.3 percent of adults aged 15 and above in Bangladesh use tobacco in some form.
The organisations warned that without stronger legislation, the health and economic toll of tobacco will continue to rise.
Signatories to the statement include Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA), Dhaka Ahsania Mission, National Heart Foundation, Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), PROGGA, along with several other advocacy groups.
They reiterated their call for comprehensive tobacco control measures to curb rising consumption and safeguard future generations.