Major tobacco companies have called for the proposed amendment to the Tobacco Control Act to be paused until a stakeholder-inclusive consultation is held.
In a joint statement on Thursday, British American Tobacco Bangladesh, Philip Morris Bangladesh and JT International Bangladesh said the Government is moving ahead with the amendment without engaging manufacturers and affected groups, and outside an appropriate parliamentary process. They said such an approach could affect the economy, investment climate, product quality and the livelihoods of people connected to the sector.
The companies said several measures in the draft are not evidence-based and would widen the illicit tobacco market, reduce tax revenue and deter foreign investment. They said the draft includes an ingredient ban that they claim would threaten cigarette operations because the listed ingredients are used in processing and preservation.
They said mandatory retail licensing for cigarette sales would cause uncertainty for 1.5 million retailers and for 1.5 lakh tobacco farmers unless a fair licensing process is established. They also said the draft’s proposed prohibition of smokeless nicotine and tobacco products would remove alternatives used by some adult nicotine consumers, which they argue could push demand toward illicit products, as seen in countries such as India and Australia.
The companies warned that introducing the amendment without wider consultation carries risks for both economic stability and public health objectives. They urged the Government to involve farmers, retailers, hawkers, printers and others in the value chain before making final decisions.
They referred to the drafting of the 2005 Tobacco Control Act, when consultations were held across stakeholder groups, resulting in a law that reduced smoking rates and limited the illegal cigarette market. They said the current economic pressures make broad consultation even more important, noting that annual revenue growth from the sector, which had remained between 12 and 15 percent for years excluding the COVID-19 period, has dropped to around 4 to 5 percent in the 2024–25 fiscal year.
They said an estimated 4.4 million livelihoods are linked to the tobacco value chain and pointed to past foreign direct investment in the sector, including JT International Bangladesh’s $1.5 billion acquisition of a local tobacco business.
The companies said they are prepared to work with the government and stakeholders to discuss alternative approaches before the amendment is finalised.
However, the anti-tobacco groups are being equally vocal about imposing stricter rules and fines on the industry, citing losses to public health and the environment.
