Dhaka: Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee today emphasized the necessity of implementing effective taxation on tobacco products in the upcoming budget to safeguard public health. He highlighted that the revenue generated through the proposed tobacco tax would significantly strengthen Bangladesh’s health sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Anee made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘The need for effective tax and price increase on tobacco products to control non-communicable diseases related to tobacco use in public health protection’. The seminar was organized by Dhaka Ahsania Mission in the city. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to controlling non-communicable diseases linked to tobacco use, aligning with the BNP’s election pledge to build a healthy, safe, and tobacco-free Bangladesh through increased tax and pricing of tobacco products.
Anee further stated the government’s dedication to enhancing public health protection by raising taxes and prices on tobacco products in the forthcoming budget, as part of its broader goals in tobacco control. He noted the high tobacco usage rates in Bangladesh compared to other South Asian countries and emphasized the government’s specific objectives to curb this trend.
Professor Dr. Shafiun Nahin Shimul, Director of the Institute of Health Economics at the University of Dhaka, contributed to the discussion, pointing out that about 90 percent of cigarettes sold in Bangladesh fall into the low and medium price categories, making them easily accessible to young and low-income individuals. He also mentioned the rising use of jorda, gul, and bidi due to their easy availability.
The seminar, chaired by Dhaka Ahsania Mission President Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, also featured addresses by Sheikh Momena Moni, additional secretary of the Ministry of Health, and Mostafizur Rahman, former chairman of BCIC.