Bangladesh tobacco control law strengthened but no ban on e-cigarettes raises concern

New law mandates 100 percent smoke-free public spaces but fails to ban e-cigarettes and vapes

Bangladesh has taken a major step forward in public health by enacting the Smoking and Usage of Tobacco Products (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2026.

Passed on Apr 10, this long-awaited reform marks a significant advancement in aligning national tobacco control efforts with global commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The reform process began in 2020 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, followed by public consultation in 2022. The law was first introduced as an ordinance in late 2025 before being passed this year, marking what officials describe as a major upgrade in the country’s tobacco control framework.

A central feature of the amended law is the declaration of all public places and transport systems as 100 per cent smoke-free. The removal of designated smoking areas extends protection from second-hand smoke across both mechanised and non-mechanised public transport, reinforcing the right to clean air.

Enforcement provisions have also been strengthened, with higher fines introduced for violations. The law imposes a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship across print and digital platforms, while also prohibiting the display of tobacco products at points of sale to reduce indirect marketing, particularly to young people.

To reduce exposure and accessibility, tobacco sales have been banned within 100 metres of schools, hospitals, parks and sports venues. Pictorial health warnings have also been expanded to cover 75 per cent of both sides of tobacco packaging to improve public awareness of health risks.

However, the law stops short of several key measures. Most notably, it does not ban electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including e-cigarettes, vapes and heated tobacco products. Public health experts warn these products are often marketed as “safer alternatives” but pose significant addiction risks, particularly among young people. More than 40 countries, including India, Myanmar and Singapore, have imposed comprehensive bans on ENDS.

Other gaps remain, including the continued legality of loose tobacco sales, which weakens pricing policy and keeps products widely accessible. The absence of restrictions on mobile and itinerant vending also allows unregulated distribution to continue. A proposed retailer licensing system was not included in the final law. While limits have been placed on tobacco companies’ corporate social responsibility activities, there is no complete ban, leaving scope for indirect influence.

The report notes that these omissions come amid sustained tobacco industry interference. Bangladesh ranked among the worst-performing countries in the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, with evidence of lobbying, promotion of industry-backed narratives and dissemination of misleading “harm reduction” claims.

Despite progress, the public health burden remains severe, with more than one-third of adults using tobacco and an estimated 200,000 deaths annually. The authors warn that industry actors may attempt to delay or weaken implementation through legal and procedural challenges, underscoring the need for strong enforcement.

They conclude that while the amended law represents meaningful progress, future reforms should prioritise closing remaining gaps, particularly a comprehensive ban on electronic nicotine delivery systems, to prevent a new wave of nicotine addiction among young people.

[Mortuza Haider Liton, convenor, Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA); Nadira Kiron and Mizan Chowdhury, both co-convenors]