As part of its vision to make Bangladesh tobacco-free by 2040, the government has initiated amendments to the Smoking and Tobacco Products Control Act. Over 16,000 people, including more than 150 members of parliament, have expressed support for the draft law, while 1,100 individuals and organizations have opposed it. Investigations revealed that most of the letters opposing the law were forged, with names added without consent, by a multinational cigarette company, according to investigative reporting by Sushanta Singha.

Bangladesh is currently the eighth-largest producer and consumer of cigarettes worldwide. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has emphasized the country’s goal of eliminating tobacco by 2040. The Ministry of Health, through NTCC Coordinator Khandokar Hossain Ali, proposed the draft amendments as part of implementing this vision.

Evidence of forgery was found in letters sent on behalf of tobacco companies, including identical language in letters from the Shop Owners Association, and misuse of names from Bangladesh Agricultural University, as noted by Professor Dr. Azaharul Islam. Dr. Arup Raton Chowdhury, a prominent doctor and tobacco control leader, described these tactics as a deliberate strategy by multinational cigarette firms to undermine the law.

Notably, none of the 24 local cigarette companies, including makers of Bidi, Jorda, and Gul, opposed the law. Experts, including PKSF Chairman and economist Dr. Quzi Khaliquzzman Ahmed, stressed that policymakers must be rigorous to strengthen and implement tobacco control legislation nationwide.

The proposed amendment also includes a ban on all types of e-cigarettes, following the example of India.