Following the President’s approval, the Smoking and Tobacco Products Use (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 was published in the gazette within six days of its approval. Issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Bangladesh on 30 December 2025, the amended ordinance came into immediate effect on the same day. The ordinance introduces several significant reforms expected to substantially strengthen tobacco control efforts in Bangladesh. Among the most notable changes is a nearly sevenfold increase in the penalty for smoking in public places, raising the fine to Tk 2,000 (approximately USD 16) from the previous Tk 300 (approximately USD 3).

The ordinance makes extensive amendments to the Tobacco Control Act of 2005, including a comprehensive ban on all emerging tobacco products such as Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products (HTP), and nicotine pouches.

Production and sale of e-cigarettes and vapes banned :

Under the new ordinance, the production, import, export, storage, marketing, advertising, and use of e-cigarettes, vapes, e-liquids, heated tobacco products, and similar devices have been completely prohibited. Violations will be punishable by up to three months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to Tk 200,000, or both. In the case of companies, penalties may also include the cancellation of licenses.

Sale banned near educational institutions and hospitals :

The ordinance stipulates that the sale of tobacco and tobacco products is prohibited within 100 meters of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, children’s parks, and sports venues. Violators will face a fine of up to Tk 5,000, which will be doubled in the case of repeated offenses.

Smoking and tobacco use completely banned in public places :

Under the amended law, the use of all types of tobacco products, in addition to smoking, has been banned in public places and public transport. The fine for this offense has been increased to BDT 2,000, before it was BDT 300.

Advertising, display, and CSR prohibited :

The ordinance prohibits the advertising and display of tobacco products across print, electronic, and online media, including social media, films, dramas, and OTT platforms. In addition, the use of tobacco company names, logos, or brands under the guise of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities has been banned.

Mandatory 75 percent health warning on packages :

All tobacco product packages must now carry health warnings with colored images and text covering at least 75 percent of the package. The production date and Quitline number must also be clearly printed.

Introduction of standard packaging :

The sale of tobacco products without standard packaging has been prohibited. The size, weight, quantity, and other package details will be determined in accordance with prescribed rules. According to experts, this ordinance will further strengthen tobacco control measures in Bangladesh and play a crucial role in protecting youth and children from nicotine addiction.

#Sushanta k singha,  sinhasmp@yahoo.com

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