DHAKA, May 30  (V7N) — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today reiterated his government's commitment to creating a tobacco-free Bangladesh, calling for collective action from citizens and coordinated government efforts on World No Tobacco Day.

In a message marking World No Tobacco Day 2026, the Prime Minister welcomed this year’s theme, “Unmasking the appeal — countering nicotine and tobacco addiction,” as timely. He warned that nicotine causes severe addiction and said all tobacco and nicotine products — including bidis, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, jorda and gul — are major contributors to non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, various cancers and chronic lung conditions.

Citing the World Health Organization, he noted that about 71 percent of deaths in Bangladesh are caused by non-communicable diseases, with tobacco and nicotine use a leading risk factor. Quoting the Tobacco Atlas 2025, he added that more than 199,000 people in Bangladesh die annually from tobacco-related illnesses. A study by the Institute of Health Economics at the University of Dhaka estimates the annual economic loss from tobacco — including health costs, environmental damage and reduced productivity — at over Tk 87,000 crore.

The Prime Minister said his government is determined to protect future generations, including children and adolescents, from the harms of tobacco and nicotine. Bangladesh joined the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003, ratified it in 2004 and enacted the Tobacco Control Act in 2005; the law has since been strengthened through amendments.

He outlined existing measures to curb tobacco use: a ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship across media and online platforms; prohibition of tobacco sales within 100 metres of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, sports venues and children’s parks; a complete ban on sale of tobacco and nicotine products to persons under 18; and bans on smoking and smokeless tobacco use in public places and on public transport. He noted penalties for violations have been increased and urged effective enforcement and heightened public awareness.

END/AJ/RH/