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Published : 24 May 2026, 09:04 PM
A delegation from research and advocacy organisation PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA) has met with Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain.
A statement by PROGGA and ATMA said the delegation handed over a letter of appreciation to the minister in recognition of his role in advancing public health protection and promoting a tobacco-free generation through the passage of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2026, on Sunday.
During the meeting, the minister said: “The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is committed to taking all necessary initiatives for tobacco control to protect public health.
“The ministry has already sent a written proposal to the Ministry of Finance to increase the prices and taxes on all types of tobacco products.”
The statement said provisions included in the amended law, such as removing Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs), banning tobacco sales around educational institutions and hospitals, and prohibiting tobacco advertisements on digital platforms, are expected to significantly contribute to protecting public health.
However, the organisations expressed concern over the exclusion of provisions banning e-cigarettes, vaping devices, nicotine pouches, and other new-generation tobacco products, warning of an increased risk of a new wave of nicotine addiction among youth.
The delegation also highlighted that nearly 37.8 million people in Bangladesh currently use tobacco, while tobacco-related illnesses cause around 200,000 deaths annually.
The organisations urged the health ministry to take strong initiatives in the upcoming national budget to significantly raise taxes and prices on all tobacco products, making them less affordable for young consumers.
The meeting was attended by ATMA Convenor Mortuza Haider Liton, Co-convenor Nadira Kiron, Members Md Shafiqul Islam and Altaf Hossain, and PROGGA Director Md Monowar Hossain.
