Dhaka: Women Members of Parliament (MPs) from reserved seats have committed to a united effort against tobacco use in Bangladesh, aiming to protect public health and prevent future generations from the harmful impacts of tobacco consumption. This pledge was made during a meeting of the 'Women MPs Forum Against Tobacco' at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in the capital, chaired by Forum Chairperson Selima Rahman, MP.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting underscored Bangladesh's status as a major tobacco-consuming nation, with the highest tobacco use rate in South Asia at 35.3%, surpassing India and Pakistan. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2017) reports that approximately 3.78 crore adults in Bangladesh currently use tobacco. Furthermore, the Tobacco Atlas 2025 highlights that nearly 2 lakh people die annually in Bangladesh from tobacco-related illnesses, with many more suffering from disabilities.
A study by the Institute of Health Economics of Dhaka University revealed that while the tobacco sector generated revenue of about Tk 41,000 crore in the 2024-25 fiscal year, the economic costs of tobacco-related deaths, health damage, and environmental harm amounted to around Tk 87,000 crore, more than double the revenue.
The meeting praised the government's efforts, including the enactment of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2026, following Bangladesh's signing of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003. Participants advocated for increased taxes and prices on tobacco products as a key strategy for tobacco control, especially with the 2026-27 national budget approaching.
Selima Rahman emphasized that while the current government's election manifesto included promises of public health protection and tobacco control, the passage of a law is just the beginning; ongoing efforts are essential for effective tobacco control.
Shibani Bhattacharya, Convener of Natri Maitree's Mothers Forum Against Tobacco, warned against tobacco companies' strategies under the guise of 'harm reduction,' targeting youths with products like e-cigarettes and vapes. Tanushree Halder, Co-convener of the Teachers Forum Against Tobacco, highlighted the broader societal and economic harms of tobacco use.
The meeting was attended by several members of the 'Women MPs Forum Against Tobacco' and representatives from related organizations, emphasizing the broad support for the initiative.