January 30, 2026 (Bangladesh)—In a win for public health, on Dec. 30, 2025 the Government of Bangladesh approved stronger tobacco control legislation with the promulgation of the Smoking and Tobacco Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, following presidential approval. The amendment, which took effect immediately but still needs to be passed in the new Parliament after elections in February, introduces a comprehensive ban on emerging tobacco and nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems and nicotine pouches.
“This groundbreaking tobacco control ordinance represents a significant milestone for Bangladesh,” said Ashish K Pandey, Director at Vital Strategies. “Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable illness and death in Bangladesh, and this amendment will enhance regulatory measures to substantially reduce the burden of preventable diseases. By addressing emerging nicotine products such as electronic cigarettes, restricting exposure of tobacco products at point of sale and on electronic media, and by implementing stricter penalties, the ordinance will prevent youth initiation and foster a healthier, more sustainable future for all of Bangladesh. We commend the Bangladeshi government for its steadfast dedication to public health, and I sincerely thank the tobacco control advocates whose efforts made this achievement possible.”
The amendment prohibits all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and display across print, electronic, digital and social media, entertainment platforms and points of sale; bans the use of tobacco brand names, logos or trademarks under corporate social responsibility initiatives; mandates standardized packaging with pictorial health warnings covering at least 75% of the packet surface, including production dates and quit line numbers; and makes designated smoking areas subject to government directives. These measures will work to curb addiction, reduce youth exposure and strengthen population-level health outcomes nationwide.
With this ordinance, Bangladesh reinforces its position as a regional leader in tobacco control and public health protection. The National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC), under the Ministry of Health, played a leadership role in advancing the amendment, steering the technical, administrative and coordination efforts that made the reform possible. The strengthened law aligns with global best practices and reflects a clear commitment to safeguarding current and future generations from the harms of tobacco and nicotine use. As implementation moves forward, sustained enforcement and continued collaboration among government agencies, civil society and public health partners will be essential to ensuring the ordinance delivers on its promise—saving lives, reducing health care costs, and creating a healthier Bangladesh for decades to come.
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies is a global health organization that believes all people should be protected by strong and equitable health policies and systems. We partner with governments, communities and organizations around the world to reimagine public health so that health is supported in all the places we live, work and play. The result is millions of people living longer, healthier lives around the world.
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