Bangladesh’s interim government plans to implement strict regulations on cigarettes, including a ban on the sale of vapes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and cigarette tar bags. However, major tobacco companies such as British American Tobacco Bangladesh and Japan Tobacco International have opposed the proposal, arguing that some provisions are unrealistic and difficult to enforce.
Proposed Legislation: Smoking and Tobacco Product Use (Control) Act 2024
According to TBS News on October 23. The interim government of Bangladesh plans to implement new and comprehensive tobacco regulations under the proposed Smoking and Tobacco Product Use (Control) Act 2024. The bill seeks to prohibit the sale of vapes, vaping commodities, bidis, chewing cigarettes (zarda), and other tobacco-related products.
The draft law was scheduled for review at an advisory board meeting on October 24, 2025, marking a critical step in the legislative process.
Health Advocates Support Stronger Regulation
Zubair, Executive Director of the nonprofit PROGGA. Welcomed the proposed law, noting that 161,000 people die annually in Bangladesh from tobacco use. He stated that the new measures could significantly reduce tobacco-related deaths and protect public health if enacted.
Industry Opposition from Major Tobacco Companies
Despite public health backing, leading tobacco firms. British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BAT) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) have both voiced opposition to the proposed law.
On October 21, BAT representatives, including Secretary and Solicitor Syed Afzal Hossain, submitted a letter to Financial Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, expressing concerns over the bill.
The letter argued that several provisions were “out of touch with reality” and impractical for implementation, urging the government to revise the draft in consultation with industry stakeholders.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Law
The proposed Smoking and Tobacco Product Use (Control) Act 2024 introduces wide-ranging restrictions, enforcement measures, and penalties aimed at curbing smoking and tobacco consumption:
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Ban on Public Smoking: Smoking will be prohibited in public spaces, including teahouses, cafés, and restaurants.
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Fines will rise from 300 taka ($2.50) to 1,000 taka ($8.40).
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Business Licensing: All businesses selling cigarettes must obtain a license.
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Violators face fines up to 50,000 taka ($420).
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Smoking Ban on Non-Motor Vehicles: Smoking or tobacco use on human-powered vehicles will be prohibited.
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Media Restrictions: All smoking scenes in movies, TV, radio, or online content will be banned.
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Plain Packaging: Cigarette packaging must be covered, with fines up to 500,000 taka ($4,200) for violations — doubled for repeat offenses.
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Sales Restrictions: Cigarettes cannot be sold at mobile stalls or within 100 meters of schools, hospitals, stadiums, or children’s parks.
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First-time offenders face fines of 5,000 taka ($42), doubled for repeat offenses.
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Flavor and Additive Ban: The use of sweeteners, flavors, fragrances, or colors in cigarettes will be banned.
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Violators may face six months in prison or a 500,000 taka ($4,200) fine.
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Ban on Vapes and Heated Tobacco Products: It will be illegal to produce, import, export, advertise, or sell vapes, HTPs, or smoke tar bags.
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Exceptions will apply only for registered medical treatments.
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Prohibition on Bidi Cigarettes: The manufacture and sale of bidis will be banned.
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Offenders face fines up to 20,000 taka ($1,680) or three months in prison.
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Companies may also lose their licenses or face suspended investments.
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Background: Evolution of Tobacco Control in Bangladesh
Bangladesh first enacted the Smoking and Tobacco Product Use (Control) Act in 2005. With subsequent amendments in 2013 and 2020 to enhance tobacco regulation.
In June 2022, the Ministry of Health published a draft revision of the law on its official website to solicit feedback from stakeholders, setting the stage for the current proposal in 2024 under the interim government.
