Tobacco remains a silent killer, responsible for millions of preventable deaths globally. While the world has made significant progress in reducing its use, the threat is far from over especially for low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2000, about 1 in every 3 adults globally (32.7%) used tobacco. By 2022, this dropped to 1 in 5 (20.9%) a 36% relative decline. This success didn’t happen on its own; it is largely the result of global cooperation through the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which has helped shape strong tobacco control policies worldwide. However, Bangladesh, one of the first countries to ratify the FCTC, has made steady progress too. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) shows that in Bangladesh tobacco use among adults dropped from 43.3% in 2009 to 35.3% in 2017 an 18.5% reduction. This is an encouraging sign, showing the positive impact of our national tobacco control law and awareness campaigns. But despite these achievements, tobacco still kills over 161,000 lives in Bangladesh alone, and more than 8 million people globally every year. Even more worrying is that nearly 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. This puts extra pressure on healthcare systems and economies that are already under stress.
In this context, the World Conference on Tobacco Control (WCTC) 2025, taking place in Dublin on 23–25 June 2025. This global conference, organized by WHO and The Union with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, will bring together public health experts, government leaders, researchers, and civil society from around the world to share strategies, lessons, and innovations in the fight against tobacco.
For Bangladesh, the Dublin conference arrives at a crucial time. The government is in the process of reviewing a proposed amendment to the national tobacco control law. If approved, this amendment will bring important reforms, including:
1. Elimination of designated smoking areas in all public places and transport to ensure the protection of non-smokers.
2. Ban of tobacco products display at points of sale.
3. Prohibition the sale of single sticks of cigarettes, loose smokeless tobacco products, and unpackaged tobacco items.
4. Complete ban of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities by tobacco companies.
5. Increase in the size of pictorial health warnings on tobacco product packaging from 50% to 90%.
6. Urgent measures to protect teens and the youth from harmful e-cigarettes and vaping products.
These measures would align Bangladesh’s policies with global best practices, which is vital to advancing tobacco control and reducing tobacco use especially among youth and marginalized communities. The WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic highlights Australia’s plain packaging laws as an effective measure to reduce the appeal of tobacco products, while the United Kingdom’s robust tobacco taxation has significantly decreased tobacco consumption. Additionally, youth-centered campaigns in the Philippines offer valuable insights into preventing tobacco use among young people. By implementing these proven approaches, Bangladesh can align its policies with international standards, strengthen enforcement, and accelerate progress toward a tobacco-free future.
The upcoming WCTC 2025 will be a timely and powerful opportunity for Bangladesh to align its tobacco control efforts. With sessions expected to focus on youth protection, taxation, industry interference, and regulatory reforms, the conference will offer a valuable platform for our government officials and civil society representatives to learn from international experiences, share Bangladesh’s progress, and bring back practical solutions to local challenges. As the country approaches a critical turning point, we must be prepared to use this moment to strengthen our commitment by pushing for the passage of the proposed amendment, planning for improved tax policies, protecting our youth from harmful products, and ensuring our public health policies remain free from tobacco industry interference. And as a media professional, I firmly believe the media carries a powerful responsibility in the tobacco control movement. We must boldly raise our voices, spotlight the real dangers of tobacco, expose the industry’s interference, and build strong public support for urgent policy action. Through impactful news reports, editorials, and talk shows, media can play a key role in holding the government accountable. With WCTC 2025 ahead, we have a golden opportunity to spark a vibrant media movement one that brings tobacco control to the forefront, reaches every corner of society, and ignites public demand for stronger laws. This is our moment to act and the media must lead the way
While Bangladesh has made real progress in tobacco control, we cannot afford to slow down. The future of public health depends on what we do next. The Dublin conference could be the spark we need to build a tobacco-free Bangladesh for our youth, for our families, and for generations to come. We must rise to this challenge with unwavering determination, bold leadership, and a steadfast commitment.
Writer: Masrur Zaman, Chief News Editor, Channel i
