WHO FCTC and the Importance of COP11: A Critical Moment for Global Tobacco Control

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), adopted in 2003 and entering into force in 2005 as the world’s first public health treaty under the auspices of the World Health Organization, marked a historic milestone in global public health by establishing legally binding obligations for Parties to implement strong, evidence-based measures to curb tobacco use and protect populations from its harms. To oversee and accelerate implementation, the Conference of the Parties (COP), the treaty’s governing body, convenes regularly to review progress, adopt guidelines, and address emerging challenges in a rapidly shifting tobacco landscape. As COP11 brings together delegates from across the globe in Geneva, Switzerland, the world stands at a pivotal moment where the need to renew commitments, reinforce cooperation, and respond to new threats has never been greater.

Nearly two decades of global experience have proven beyond doubt that the FCTC works: countries that have adopted and enforced its provisions have experienced sharp declines in smoking prevalence, reduced exposure to secondhand smoke, strengthened public awareness of tobacco’s harms, and seen meaningful impacts on no communicable disease (NCD) prevention. Yet, despite this progress, the tobacco epidemic remains one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges, responsible for more than eight million deaths annually and imposing immense economic and social costs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where regulatory loopholes, limited resources, and persistent industry interference impede full implementation. In this context, COP11 is far more than a routine meeting, it represents a defining opportunity to strengthen global solidarity, address emerging nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, intensify action against industry interference, and support countries in closing critical policy gaps that continue to endanger public health.

For Bangladesh, a country that has long demonstrated its commitment to tobacco control, COP11 arrives at a crucial time as it works to update and strengthen its national tobacco control law in line with FCTC obligations and the country’s own vision of becoming tobacco-free by 2040. Bangladesh’s early ratification of the FCTC signaled its recognition of tobacco as a major barrier to public health, economic development, and social well-being. Over the years, the country has introduced several significant measures including large pictorial health warnings, bans on tobacco advertising, smoke-free public places, and selective tax increases that have contributed to improvements in public awareness and modest reductions in tobacco consumption. Despite these efforts, tobacco use remains alarmingly high, with more than one-third of adults consuming tobacco in some form and millions exposed to secondhand smoke. Tobacco is a dominant risk factor for Bangladesh’s rising burden of no communicable diseases, including heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, and various cancers, which together account for the majority of premature deaths and impose a heavy strain on the healthcare system. The economic cost is staggering as well, with households bearing direct treatment costs while productivity losses undermine national growth. These realities underscore the urgent need for stronger, more comprehensive legal and regulatory measures that align with global best practices and fully reflect the spirit and obligations of the FCTC.

The ongoing amendments to Bangladesh’s tobacco control law therefore represent a critical step in advancing public health. The proposed changes which include eliminating designated smoking areas, prohibiting the display of tobacco products at points of sale, regulating sale to minors, banning corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities of the tobacco industry, regulating e-cigarettes and emerging nicotine products, introducing stronger penalties for violations, and tightening restrictions on flavors and product marketing are designed to close longstanding loopholes that have allowed tobacco use to persist, particularly among youth and vulnerable populations. These amendments also strengthen implementation of FCTC Article 5.3, which obligates governments to protect public health policies from the commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry, an area where Bangladesh, like many countries, continues to face significant pressure. By reinforcing protections against industry interference, Bangladesh is helping ensure that public health decision-making remains independent, transparent, and aligned with the country’s long-term development goals.

COP11 serves as a vital platform for Bangladesh to discuss these reform efforts, learn from international experiences, and seek guidance on regulating new and emerging products that threaten to addict a new generation. It also provides an opportunity for Bangladesh to highlight its progress, reaffirm its commitment to FCTC principles, and gain support for implementing effective, resource-efficient strategies that address both tobacco use and the broader burden of NCDs. The intersection between tobacco control and NCD prevention is particularly significant: strong tobacco control policies are among the most cost-effective interventions for reducing NCD-related deaths and disabilities. As Bangladesh works to strengthen its health system and pursue sustainable development goals, reducing tobacco use is not merely a health priority but a national economic imperative.

In this defining moment, as global leaders meet at COP11, the decisions taken in Geneva will shape the future trajectory of tobacco control worldwide. For Bangladesh, they offer a timely opportunity to accelerate the adoption of stronger laws, strengthen enforcement, protect future generations from addiction, and move decisively toward the vision of a tobacco-free nation by 2040. The FCTC has laid the foundation for global progress; COP11 is the moment to reinforce that foundation, confront emerging challenges with renewed determination, and ensure that every country including Bangladesh moves forward with stronger resolve to safeguard public health, reduce the immense burden of tobacco-related NCDs, and secure a healthier future for all.

Iqbal Masud
Public Health Specialist