Bangladesh Strengthens Tobacco Laws to Cut 130,000 Annual Deaths

A bold legal move could save thousands of lives yearly. But will delays let the tobacco industry undermine progress?

, and Administrator

2025 December 27 . 5:59 PM

1 min read

In the image there is a man in black shirt standing on the right side and another man in t-shirt... — In the image there is a man in black shirt standing on the right side and another man in t-shirt smoking cigarette on the left side, behind them there is wall.

Bangladesh Strengthens Tobacco Laws to Cut 130,000 Annual Deaths

Bangladesh has taken a significant step towards bolstering tobacco control by approving an amendment to its existing laws. The move aims to decrease tobacco-related deaths, which currently surpass 130,000 annually. Public health groups have welcomed the decision but are urging swift action to finalize the legal process.

The 'Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025' was approved by the Advisory Council on December 24, 2025. The health ministry initiated the changes to fortify regulations and lessen the substantial impact of tobacco on public health. Once fully implemented, the law is expected to lower deaths and support Bangladesh's progress towards global health targets.

Tobacco continues to pose a severe health and economic burden in the country. Each year, it incurs losses of Tk 87,000 crore due to healthcare costs and environmental damage. Public health organizations, including PROGGA and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance, have lauded the government's action but emphasized the need for urgency. ABM Zubair, executive director of PROGGA, underscored the importance of publishing the ordinance in the official Gazette promptly. He cautioned that any delay could allow the tobacco industry to interfere. The groups have called for immediate gazette notification to secure the legal changes and prevent external influence.

The amendment's approval signifies a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's battle against tobacco. Once gazetted, the stricter rules will help reduce deaths and move the country closer to its sustainable development goals. Health advocates continue to push for swift publication to ensure the law takes full effect.