The Bangladesh Retirement Government Employees Welfare Association has called for rapid formulation of rules under the amended Tobacco Control Act 2026 to safeguard public health and protect the youth from the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
The demand was raised on Tuesday morning during a discussion meeting titled “Actions to protect public health from the harmful effects of tobacco,” held at Oboshor Bhaban in the capital.
The event was jointly organised by Bangladesh Retirement Government Employees Welfare Association and Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP).
Speaking at the session, Md Ismail Hossain, administrator of the association, noted that ensuring public health and effective tobacco control is a key pledge in the current government’s election manifesto.
He highlighted that on World No Tobacco Day 2026, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to protecting future generations from the harmful impacts of tobacco and nicotine products.
Promoting a healthy, productive nation by discouraging nicotine use remains a top government priority.
Md Shamsul Alam Khan, retired secretary, expressed concern regarding 2026–27 fiscal year budget, which imposed taxes on nicotine pouches, granules, and Heated Tobacco Products (HTP).
He argued that such taxation provides these products with de facto legitimacy and market expansion opportunities, posing a significant risk of increased nicotine addiction among children and young people. He urged the government to adopt timely and effective policy measures to address this.
The association’s Director Mohammad Ali provided alarming statistics, stating that Bangladesh has the highest tobacco use rate in South Asia at 35.3 per cent, leading to approximately 2 lakh premature deaths annually.
He further noted that in 2024, the health and environmental damage caused by tobacco was estimated at Tk87,000 crore, which is more than double the revenue generated from the sector.
He emphasised the need for strict enforcement of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005 (Amended 2026) to curb the spread of emerging nicotine products.
Speakers at the meeting thanked the government for the 2026 amendment and expressed hope for further actions to protect the next generation in line with manifesto promises. Members of the association also pledged their active involvement and full cooperation in achieving the goal of a tobacco-free Bangladesh.
