Bangladesh Passes Stricter Tobacco Ordinance, Bans E-Cigarettes and Public Smoking Zones

The advisory council of Bangladesh has approved a new anti-tobacco ordinance that significantly tightens regulations on tobacco use, although some key proposals from the original draft were excluded. The new law expands the definition of tobacco products to include emerging items like nicotine pouches and introduces a comprehensive ban on the production, import, sale, and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes and vapes.

A major change is the repeal of the provision allowing designated “smoking zones,” effectively banning smoking and tobacco consumption in all public places and transport. The fine for violating this rule has been increased from Tk 300 to Tk 2,000. Additionally, the sale of tobacco products is now prohibited within a 100-meter radius of educational institutions, hospitals, and playgrounds. All forms of tobacco advertising, including online, are also banned.

However, the ordinance omitted several stringent measures initially proposed, reportedly due to revenue concerns raised by the finance ministry. Provisions to ban the sale of loose or unpackaged tobacco, hawking, and flavored products were excluded. The requirement for pictorial health warnings on packaging was set at 75% of the surface area, rather than the proposed 90%.

Anti-tobacco campaigners, while welcoming the ordinance as a positive step for public health, expressed disappointment over the weakened sections. Sohel Reza Choudhury of the National Heart Foundation urged strict enforcement of the new rules. The move comes as WHO reports estimate over 37 million people in Bangladesh consume tobacco products.

• Read more: Bangladesh to Include E-Cigarettes in List of Banned Import Products
• News source: Govt passes stricter tobacco ordinance

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