Dhaka: Speakers at a webinar today highlighted that Bangladesh has become the first and only country in Asia to classify cigarette filters as “single-use plastic (SUP)”. This significant step aligns with the implementation of Article 18 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which addresses environmental protection concerns in tobacco production and manufacturing. This decision was shared during the Conference of the Parties (COP)-10, as revealed in a press release today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, at COP-11 held in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 17-22, 2025, the Bangladesh Government delegation presented their progress in this area and reiterated their commitment to amending the law for enhanced tobacco control efforts. The observations emerged from a webinar titled “Translating WHO FCTC COP Decisions into Action in Bangladesh: A Case Study”, co-organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA).
During the webinar, attendees, including anti-tobacco activists who participated in previous COPs, shared their insights and experiences. Discussants emphasized the necessity for all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure the implementation of the decisions made at COP-11.
Tobacco continues to be a significant contributor to cancer, stroke, cardiovascular, and lung diseases in Bangladesh, claiming approximately 130,000 lives annually. A recent study indicates that the health and environmental impacts of tobacco use and production cost the national economy Taka 87,000 crore, which is more than twice the revenue generated from the tobacco sector.
The government has initiated steps to amend the tobacco control law to better align it with the WHO FCTC. However, speakers at the webinar cautioned that delays in finalizing the amendment could exacerbate the public health, environmental, and economic impacts of tobacco.
There was a call to action from the speakers, urging the government to expedite the finalization of the draft amendment to the tobacco control law. Key figures in the event included Md. Mostafizur Rahman, former Chairman of BCIC; Saifuddin Ahmed, Executive Director of WBB Trust; Iqbal Masud, Director (Health and Wash) at Dhaka Ahsania Mission; Syed Mahbubul Alam, Senior Technical Advisor at Vital Strategies, Bangladesh; and Mizan Chowdhury, Co-convener of ATMA.
Mortuza Haider Liton, Convener of ATMA, delivered the welcome address. The webinar was presided over by ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA, and hosted by Rokaiya Abdullah Raka, Program Officer, with Hasan Shahriar, Head of Programs, presenting the keynote.