Bangladesh becomes first country in Asia to classify cigarette filters as 'single-use plastic'

Tobacco claims around 130,000 lives each year in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has become the first country in Asia to classify cigarette filters as “single-use plastic” (SUP).

The move is aligned with Article 18 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) aimed at environmental protection in tobacco production.

The announcement was highlighted during a webinar titled “Translating WHO FCTC COP Decisions into Action in Bangladesh: A Case Study” held on Sunday, jointly organised by PROGGA and Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA).

At COP-11 in Geneva from Nov 17 to 22, Bangladesh’s government delegation presented the country’s achievements and reiterated its commitment to amend the tobacco control law and strengthen overall anti-tobacco measures.

Anti-tobacco activists who attended previous COPs shared experiences and urged stakeholders to work together for swift implementation of COP-11 decisions.

Tobacco is a major contributor to cancer, stroke, cardiovascular, and lung diseases, claiming around 130,000 lives each year in Bangladesh.

A recent study shows tobacco-related health and environmental damages cost the national economy Tk 870 billion -- more than twice the revenue generated by the sector.

Speakers at the webinar called for rapid finalisation of the draft amendment to the tobacco control law, warning that delays could increase the toll on public health, the environment, and the economy.

Among the discussants were Md Mostafizur Rahman, former BCIC chairman; Saifuddin Ahmed, Executive Director of WBB Trust; Iqbal Masud, Director (Health and WASH) of Dhaka Ahsania Mission; Syed Mahbubul Alam, Senior Technical Advisor at Vital Strategies, Bangladesh; and Mizan Chowdhury, Co-convener of ATMA. Mortuza Haider Liton, ATMA convener, delivered the welcome speech. ABM Zubair, PROGGA Executive Director, presided over the event, while Rokaiya Abdullah Raka hosted and Hasan Shahriar presented the keynote.