Dhaka: Additional Secretary (World Health Wing) of the Health Services Division, Sheikh Momena Moni, highlighted that although the Bangladeshi government earns approximately BDT 400 billion annually from the tobacco sector, the associated losses due to healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and premature deaths amount to over BDT 870 billion.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the interim government has demonstrated its commitment to public health by approving the Tobacco Control Ordinance. Sheikh Momena Moni emphasized the importance of maintaining this commitment for future governments to facilitate the passage of the law in Parliament. She urged political parties to support this legislation.
The remarks were made at a meeting titled ‘Tobacco Control Ordinance 2025 and Next Steps,’ organized by Nari Maitree at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro. The event was chaired by Shaheen Akhtar Dolly, Executive Director of Nari Maitree, with special guests including Md. Mostafizur Rahman, former Chairman of BCIC and Lead Policy Advisor of CTFK-Bangladesh. Women professionals advocated for the ordinance to be passed and enacted during the first session of the new Parliament.
Participants cited the World Health Organization’s Tobacco Atlas 2025, noting that over 21.3 million adults in Bangladesh use tobacco, contributing to nearly 200,000 annual deaths from tobacco-related diseases. The economic toll of tobacco use is approximately BDT 392 billion annually.
The Advisory Council recently approved the Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. This ordinance bans the use, production, and marketing of emerging tobacco products, includes nicotine pouches under ‘tobacco products,’ and prohibits all forms of tobacco use in public spaces and transport. It also expands the definitions of ‘public place’ and ‘public transport,’ bans all forms of tobacco advertising, and increases health warnings on packaging to 75 percent of the surface area.
Shaheen Akhtar Dolly stated that the impact of tobacco extends beyond individual health, negatively affecting families, society, and the economy. She referenced data from Tobacco Atlas 2025, indicating that over 11 percent of Bangladeshi women die from tobacco-related diseases.
Md. Mostafizur Rahman stressed the importance of passing the ordinance in the first parliamentary session after elections, advocating for public mobilization to ensure it becomes a public demand.
Speakers also included Abdus Salam Mia, Program Manager of CTFK Bangladesh; Shibani Bhattacharya, Convener of Nari Maitree Mothers’ Forum; Dr. Khaleda Islam, Convener of the Teachers’ Forum; and youth advocates Raisul Islam and Shahreen Ferdous.