Dhaka, Jan 01 (V7N) – The newly enacted ‘Smoking and Tobacco Use (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’ has officially come into effect, introducing stricter controls on tobacco use across Bangladesh. The ordinance, proposed by the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to strengthen the existing Smoking and Tobacco Use (Control) Act, 2005, and protect public health. The President approved the ordinance, which came into force on December 30, 2025.

According to the Chief Advisor’s Press Wing, the ordinance seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework by banning all emerging tobacco products including e-cigarettes, vape devices, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches. It also repeals the separate Bidi Production Ordinance, bringing bidis made from kumbi and tendu leaves under a complete prohibition.

Key provisions of the new ordinance include:

  • Expanded definitions: ‘Tobacco products’, ‘nicotine’, ‘nicotine products’, and ‘public place’ have been redefined to cover all new and emerging products. The government can add new items as tobacco products through official notification.

  • Public places and transport: Smoking and use of tobacco products are banned in all public places and public transport. The fine for violations has increased from 300 taka to 2,000 taka.

  • Advertising and promotion: Advertising of tobacco products is banned across all media, including print, electronic, social media, internet, and OTT platforms. Display at points of sale, use of tobacco company logos in CSR activities, or financial sponsorships are prohibited.

  • Sale restrictions near sensitive areas: Sale of tobacco products is prohibited within 100 meters of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, playgrounds, and children’s parks.

  • Strict penalties for emerging products: Production, import, export, storage, sale, or use of e-cigarettes and other emerging tobacco products can result in imprisonment of up to six months and fines of up to five lakh taka.

  • Health warnings and packaging: Mandatory color pictures and health warnings must cover 75 percent of tobacco product packaging. The ordinance also allows for cancellation of licenses, seizure of goods, and prosecution under the Criminal Procedure Code in case of violations.

The Press Wing emphasized that implementation of the ordinance is expected to significantly reduce smoking and tobacco use, contributing to improved public health outcomes across the country.

END/SMA/AJ