Smoking in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, smoking is allowed, but tobacco products including cigarettes are subject to specific legal control measures. Based on these regulations, a comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, including cigarettes, is strictly enforced. Health warnings on their packaging are required, and smoking is restricted in public places. There is also a minimum age restriction on sales of 18 years. While no excise tax is applied on cigarettes, the total taxation rate is 58.40%. However, retail sale is allowed, and products can legally be purchased online. Notably, the sale of cigarettes through vending machines is prohibited. The current prevalence of tobacco smoking among adults aged 15 years and older was estimated to be 15.9% in Bangladesh as of 2024. This marks a decline from previous years; in 2020, the adult current prevalence of smoking was reported to be 18.6%, and in 2019, it was 20.9%. The absolute number of current tobacco smokers in 2024 was approximately 19.7 million. This shows a decrease from 21,9 million in 2020 and 24 million in 2019. In terms of gender-specific data, the current prevalence of tobacco smoking among males in 2024 was significantly higher with 32.5% compared to 0.3% among females. This represents a slight decrease for males from 36.4% in 2020 and 40.8% in 2019. For females, it also declined from 0.5% in 2020 and 1% in 2019. The adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence in 2018 was 22.3%, with a prevalence of 44.4% among males and 0.9% among females. In 2021, tobacco smoking caused 130,135 deaths in Bangladesh, representing 11.87% of all deaths in the country that year. The data show that smoking-related mortality accounted for 16.83% of all deaths among males and 4.98% among females. These figures underscore the public health challenges posed by tobacco smoking in Bangladesh and emphasize the need for continued public health measures and policies to reduce its impacts.
Read articles from Bangladesh
April 13, 2026 by globenewswire.com
Scrap the Ban, Keep the Controls: CAPHRA's Message to Bangladesh
A growing debate is unfolding in Bangladesh over proposals to ban safer nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches. Regional advocacy groups argue that prohibition-based policies risk repeating past failures seen in traditional tobacco control. Instead of outright bans, there are increasing calls for proportionate regulation that allows adult smokers access to lower-risk alternatives. Supporters of this approach warn that strict prohibitions could drive consumers toward cigarettes or unregulated markets. The discussion reflects a broader global tension between restrictive policies and harm reduction strategies in nicotine regulation.
April 02, 2026 by thedailystar.net
Anti-tobacco groups alarmed over proposed removal of e-cigarette ban provisions
Growing concern is emerging in Bangladesh as anti-tobacco organisations warn against proposed changes to national legislation that would remove key restrictions on e-cigarettes. The planned amendments include lifting the ban on these products and allowing the display of tobacco at points of sale, raising fears about increased visibility and access. Health advocates argue that such measures could weaken existing tobacco control efforts and contribute to higher rates of nicotine use, particularly among young people. Critics also stress that emerging nicotine products may act as a gateway to addiction, warning that loosening regulations could open the door to stronger industry influence. The debate highlights broader tensions between regulatory changes and public health priorities in a country already facing a significant burden from tobacco-related harm.
April 01, 2026 by asianews.network
Bangladesh government moves to lift ban on e-cigarettes
The government plans to amend the anti-tobacco ordinance by lifting the ban on e-cigarettes, sparking concerns about public health and youth. The decision follows a recommendation from a special committee reviewing ordinances. Anti-tobacco advocates warn that e-cigarettes are harmful, with 30 countries having banned them. Health experts and campaigners stress the importance of protecting youths and urge the government to reconsider the move. The amendments will also eliminate restrictions on displaying tobacco products at sales points. The ordinance aims to control tobacco use and includes penalties for violation. Public health advocates emphasize the need to maintain restrictions on e-cigarettes and tobacco products to safeguard the population.
October 31, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com
PMI Gets Approval to Produce Nicotine Pouches in Bangladesh
Philip Morris got permission to set up a nicotine pouch factory in Bangladesh's Narayanganj with a $5.8 million investment. The annual production target is 536.3 million units. Anti-tobacco groups oppose the move but authorities view the pouches as non-nicotine items. While e-cigarettes are banned, these pouches are not. Regulatory checks are ongoing, with Philip Morris awaiting environmental clearance.
March 25, 2025 by tbsnews.net
Govt plans to raise high-end cigarette prices to curb consumption
The government plans to increase prices of luxury cigarettes to reduce consumption, combating the rise in sales following a tax hike on lower-tier cigarettes. Revenue from cigarettes has surged in February. Suggestions to combat tobacco use and smuggling were discussed at a recent meeting. The proposal to amend tobacco laws was supported, but discussions involving tobacco companies were debated due to WHO guidelines. The ban on e-cigarettes has not curbed their availability, with proposals to regulate their use to prevent revenue loss. Philip Morris applied to produce e-cigarettes in Bangladesh.
January 22, 2025 by asianews.network
Bangladesh government to send letter to WHO today requesting removal of Hasina daughter
The ACC plans to request the removal of Saima Wazed Putul from her role as WHO Southeast Asia Region director due to alleged corruption and criminal activities, including fabricated credentials, illegal acquisitions, and financial misconduct. The letter sent through government channels accuses Putul of misusing state resources, extorting funds, and harming Bangladesh's reputation. The ACC filed a case against her and highlighted misappropriation of public funds. ACC's director general emphasized ongoing independent investigations. Putul's continued position at WHO is deemed inappropriate given the corruption allegations.
January 21, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu
Bangladesh bans vapes – and cigarette production increases
Bangladesh has enforced a ban on vapes and nicotine pouch imports to prioritize public health, despite protests from vape trade groups. British American Tobacco plans to expand production in the country, aiming to meet growing cigarette demand. The ban has sparked concerns about depriving adult smokers of safer options and its economic impact. Notably, harm reduction strategies involving low-risk tobacco products have proven successful in reducing smoking rates in other countries like Sweden and New Zealand. The ban aligns with the government's efforts to combat high tobacco consumption rates, particularly among men in Bangladesh.
December 17, 2024 by tbsnews.net
Govt bans import of e-cigarette, e-nicotine delivery systems
The government has banned the import of e-cigarettes and ENDS products to protect public health due to concerns about their increasing use, particularly among young people. The decision was made by the Council of Advisers in Dhaka to address potential health risks and ensure public safety. Officials highlight the harmful effects of these products, emphasizing the necessity for stricter regulations.
December 17, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com
Bangladesh to Ban E-cigarette Imports
Bangladesh is set to prohibit the import of e-cigarettes and related items to safeguard public health and protect future generations. The decision, following a proposal by the health services division, will include e-cigarettes in the list of banned products in the import policy order of the ministry of commerce, as reported by bdnews24.
October 25, 2024 by tbsnews.net
Tougher tobacco law looms with ban on loose cigarettes, vapes
A new ordinance in Bangladesh aims to ban e-cigarettes, vapes, loose cigarettes, bidis, and chewing tobacco. Shopkeepers need licenses to sell tobacco products, with fines up to Tk50,000 for violations. Smoking is prohibited within 100 meters of certain areas. The draft law also includes stricter regulations on tobacco advertising and use in public spaces. Anti-tobacco organizations support the law to decrease tobacco-related deaths, but tobacco companies oppose it, calling some clauses unrealistic. Penalties for violations include fines and imprisonment, with stricter rules on tobacco product packaging and sale locations. The draft ordinance aims to improve public health by controlling tobacco and tobacco products effectively.
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