Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today emphasized his government’s dedication to establishing a tobacco-free Bangladesh through collective participation and coordinated government efforts. “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 stated in a message issued today in observance of ‘World No Tobacco Day-2026’.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, ‘Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction,’ as timely and relevant. He pointed out that nicotine in tobacco causes severe addiction, and the use of tobacco and nicotine products such as bidis, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, jorda, and gul is a leading cause of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, stroke, various cancers, and chronic lung diseases.
Citing data from the World Health Organization, he noted that approximately 71 percent of deaths in Bangladesh are due to non-communicable diseases, with tobacco and nicotine use being major risk factors. The Tobacco Atlas 2025 further reveals that over 199,000 people die annually in Bangladesh from tobacco-related diseases.
The Prime Minister referenced a study by the Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka, which estimates the annual economic loss from tobacco use, including health costs, environmental damage, and reduced productivity, to exceed Taka 87,000 crore. He stressed the government’s commitment to shielding future generations, particularly children and adolescents, from tobacco and nicotine’s harmful effects.
To safeguard public health, Bangladesh signed the FCTC in 2003, ratified it in 2004, and enacted the Tobacco Control Act in 2005. Amendments have been made to further fortify the Tobacco Control Act, banning all forms of tobacco product advertising, promotion, and publicity to deter children and adolescents from tobacco use.
The Prime Minister emphasized the prohibition of tobacco advertising in all media, including print, electronic, internet, social media, apps, OTT platforms, dramas, and movies. He also mentioned the ban on tobacco company advertisements disguised as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the prohibition of tobacco sales within 100 meters of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, sports venues, and children’s parks.
Additionally, the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to individuals under 18 is entirely prohibited, and smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption are 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,” he added.
Prime Minister Rahman expressed his hope for the success of the programs undertaken for ‘World No Tobacco Day 2026’.