Staff Reporter:
Development Organisation of the Rural Poor-DORP has welcomed the approval of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, describing it as a timely and important step toward protecting public health. DORP expressed this reaction following the approval of the ordinance at a meeting of the Advisory Council here on Saturday.
Mohammad Zobair Hasan, Deputy Executive Director of DORP, stated that tobacco use remains one of the leading risk factors for cancer and other non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh. According to Tobacco Atlas 2025, more than 130,000 people die prematurely each year in the country due to tobacco-related causes.
He further noted that research shows tobacco use and production result in an annual health and environmental loss of approximately Tk 87,000 crore, which is more than double the revenue generated from the tobacco sector during the same period.
This loss places a severe burden on individuals, families, and the national economy as a whole. Hasan emphasised that the amended ordinance will further strengthen the existing legal framework for protecting public health.
Provisions such as the ban on all forms of tobacco use in public places and public transport, the prohibition of tobacco advertising and display, and the requirement of 75 per cent graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging reflect the government’s strong commitment to safeguarding public health.
He also noted that the amended ordinance includes a ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) and brings nicotine pouches under the legal definition of tobacco products.
DORP believes these measures will play a crucial role in protecting young people in particular from nicotine addiction and emerging forms of tobacco use. DORP believes that if the amended ordinance is published in the official Gazette and effectively implemented without delay, it will significantly reduce tobacco-related deaths, protect citizens from the harmful effects of tobacco, and contribute to building a healthier and safer future generation.
The organisation also noted that effective implementation of the law will support progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.a.
