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Tag: Bangladesh

  • Clashing Protests On Both Sides of Bangladesh’s Tobacco Tax Debate

    Clashing Protests On Both Sides of Bangladesh’s Tobacco Tax Debate

    Civil society groups in Bangladesh formed a human chain and called for higher tobacco taxes and pricing reforms ahead of the 2026–27 national budget at a protest in Tangail today (May 4). Organizers, including the Development Organization of the Rural Poor (DORP), urged the government to merge lower cigarette price tiers and raise minimum prices, proposing Tk100 ($0.81) per 10-stick pack for the lowest tier and a uniform 67% supplementary duty alongside a specific tax of Tk4 ($0.03) per pack. Speakers said low and mid-priced cigarettes account for nearly 90% of sales, contributing to accessibility and rising use, particularly among youth.

    Participants also highlighted the broader public health and economic impact, noting that tobacco use prevalence in Bangladesh stands at 35.3%, and that tobacco-related costs reached more than double industry revenue, and called for stronger pricing policies and alternative employment options for bidi workers as part of broader tobacco control efforts.

    Concurrently, bidi workers called for higher wages and the removal of taxes on the sector during a May Day rally organized by the Bangladesh Bidi Sramik Federation in front of the National Press Club. Workers demanded the withdrawal of taxes on the bidi industry, the elimination of advance income tax on bidis and cigarettes, improved wages, ration support, and action against counterfeit products. Union representatives also raised concerns about industry conditions and alleged financial outflows by multinational companies, while emphasizing the need for policy changes to support workers in the bidi sector.

  • Bangladesh Battles with Illicit Tobacco, Enforcement

    Bangladesh Battles with Illicit Tobacco, Enforcement

    Authorities in Bangladesh are facing renewed scrutiny over the enforcement of tobacco-related regulations, as a legal petition seeks updates on action taken against illegal shisha lounges in Dhaka. The filing, submitted to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, requests details on raids, arrests, and compliance with a High Court directive issued in March mandating the closure of unauthorized lounges, amid claims that some establishments in areas like Banani and Gulshan remain operational.

    At the same time, enforcement efforts continue elsewhere, with officials in Kushtia destroying illegal tobacco products worth approximately Tk 2.5 crore ($225,000), including nearly 36 million sticks and units of cigarettes, bidis, and other items seized through anti-smuggling operations.

  • Advocates Call to Merge Bangladesh’s Multi-Tier Cig Structure

    Advocates Call to Merge Bangladesh’s Multi-Tier Cig Structure

    At a workshop hosted by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh today (April 9), journalists and public health advocates called for setting the minimum retail price of a 10-stick cigarette pack at Tk100 ($0.82) in the FY2026–27 budget by merging the low and medium tax tiers and introducing a uniform Tk4 (3 cents) specific tax per pack.

    A keynote by Dr. Shafiun Nahin Shimul of the University of Dhaka said Bangladesh’s 35.3% tobacco use prevalence leads to nearly 200,000 premature deaths annually and an economic cost of Tk870 billion ($7.1 billion), more than double sector revenue. Speakers, including representatives from the National Tobacco Control Cell and health researchers, argued the current multi-tier tax structure enables down-trading to cheaper brands and said higher prices could reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and raise government revenue.

  • Tobacco Farming Increase Impacting Fish in Bangladesh

    Tobacco Farming Increase Impacting Fish in Bangladesh

    Tobacco cultivation is rapidly expanding across the char lands of the Teesta River in northern Bangladesh, raising alarm among environmental and fisheries officials who warn that chemical runoff is polluting the river and damaging aquatic life. In Lalmonirhat District, more than 9,000 hectares were planted with tobacco last year, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension, displacing traditional food crops as farmers are drawn by free inputs, advanced cash, and guaranteed purchases from tobacco companies.

    Experts and local fishermen say heavy fertilizer and pesticide use is washing into the river during rains, harming fish breeding and biodiversity, while officials acknowledge difficulties curbing the shift as growers prioritize tobacco’s higher and more predictable returns over environmental concerns.

  • Bangladesh Pushed for More Realistic Tobacco Tax Policy

    Bangladesh Pushed for More Realistic Tobacco Tax Policy

    A roundtable hosted by the Policy Research Institute in Dhaka urged Bangladesh to adopt a simpler, more predictable tobacco tax framework, arguing that sharp duty and price hikes in June 2024 and January 2025 have reduced cigarette sales and weakened revenue performance. Speakers cited an Ernst & Young market assessment showing that despite repeated tax increases since FY20, revenue growth has lagged expectations as the total tax burden on tobacco has climbed to roughly 83%, among the highest globally.

    Participants said frequent price adjustments and a complex multi-tier tax structure are distorting the market, pushing consumers toward cheaper segments and widening price gaps between tiers while creating incentives for illicit trade. The group recommended a gradual shift from a value-based to a specific tax system, stronger enforcement capacity to curb illegal trade, and improved factory-level monitoring, arguing that a transparent, stable tax policy is needed to sustain revenue, support administrative efficiency, and reduce market volatility.

  • Bangladesh Reversing Vape Ban

    Bangladesh Reversing Vape Ban

    Bangladesh is preparing amendments to its anti-tobacco ordinance that would withdraw the ban on the production, import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems, and remove restrictions on displaying tobacco products at points of sale. The ordinance, approved in December 2025 by the interim government, expanded the definition of tobacco products and introduced penalties for activities involving e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, and similar devices. These included jail terms, fines, seizure of goods, and possible license revocation for companies.

    The proposed changes follow recommendations from a parliamentary special committee reviewing 133 ordinances, with the health ministry drafting amendments to omit the relevant provisions for submission to the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. Health Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury said the ministry would act in accordance with the committee’s recommendations regarding the ordinances under its jurisdiction.

  • Bangladesh Moves to Enact Tobacco Control Ordinance Into Law

    Bangladesh Moves to Enact Tobacco Control Ordinance Into Law

    Bangladesh is preparing to convert the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 into law in the upcoming parliamentary session, with government officials emphasizing urgent action to curb tobacco-related health and economic impacts. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M.A. Muhit and Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that tobacco use affects over 21 million adults, causing nearly 200,000 deaths annually and economic losses of about BDT 87,000 crore ($7.9 billion).

    The ordinance includes strict measures such as banning e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products; prohibiting tobacco sales within 100 meters of schools, hospitals, and playgrounds; eliminating designated smoking areas in public spaces and transport; and increasing pictorial health warnings on packaging from 50% to 75%.

    Civil society representatives, including anti-tobacco groups and media organizations, urged the government to pass the law without delay to protect public health, especially for women and children. Officials stressed that the law’s passage is critical to fulfill election commitments, reduce mortality, and prevent further economic losses, while the Ministry of Information pledged to support implementation once enacted.

  • Bangladesh Losing $480M in Evaded Tobacco Taxes: Study

    Bangladesh Losing $480M in Evaded Tobacco Taxes: Study

    A new study found that cigarette manufacturers in Bangladesh are evading an estimated Tk 5,182 crore ($480 million) in government revenue by manipulating retail prices and not adhering to the declared maximum retail price (MRP). The research, conducted by the University of Dhaka’s Bureau of Economic Research in collaboration with the Bangladesh Network for Tobacco Tax Policy, revealed that while manufacturers sell cigarettes to retailers at the printed MRP, retailers often sell them to consumers at significantly higher prices. This practice results in widespread sales above the official MRP, depriving the government of substantial tax revenue. The study, presented at a discussion at Dhaka Reporters Unity today (March 5), urged stronger regulatory oversight and stricter monitoring to curb price manipulation and improve tax compliance in the tobacco sector.

  • Bangladesh Court Gives Authorities 30 Days to Close Hookah Lounges

    Bangladesh Court Gives Authorities 30 Days to Close Hookah Lounges

    Yesterday (March 3), Bangladesh’s High Court ordered authorities to shut down illegal shisha and hookah lounges nationwide within 30 days and issued a statement, questioning why failure to act against such establishments should not be declared unlawful. The bench of Justices Razik-Al-Jalil and Md Anowarul Islam directed secretaries of the home and health ministries, as well as the heads of the Department of Narcotics Control, Rapid Action Battalion, Dhaka Metropolitan Police, and Dhaka North and South city corporations to respond.

    The order followed a public interest writ filed by Supreme Court lawyer SM Zulfiqure Ali Junu, who argued that many lounges operate under the guise of cafés and restaurants without lawful authority, posing serious public health risks. The petition cited violations of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005 (Amended 2013) and the Narcotics Control Act, 2018, alleging that authorities had failed to act despite reports of minors accessing shisha.

  • Bangladesh Questions Constitutionality of Vape Ban

    Bangladesh Questions Constitutionality of Vape Ban

    The High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh directed the government not to confiscate or seize vapes lawfully imported by 41 businessmen and issued a rule questioning the constitutionality of Section 6(Ga) of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005. The bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar asked authorities to explain why the provision, which restricts the manufacture, import, export, storage, sale, and promotion of electronic nicotine delivery systems, should not be declared unconstitutional and void.

    The order followed a writ petition filed by 41 traders, including Masud Uz Zaman, managing director of Vapor Cloud Ltd. Petitioners argued that Section 6(Ga) is discriminatory, banning vapes — described as a harm-reduction alternative — while permitting traditional cigarettes, allegedly violating the equality clause under Article 27 of the Constitution. The state was represented by the Deputy Attorney General during the hearing.