Retired government employees on Tuesday called for the swift formulation of rules under the amended Tobacco Control Act 2026 and stronger measures to protect public health from the harmful effects of tobacco and emerging nicotine products.
The association also urged the government to take effective steps to safeguard young people from the growing use of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
The demands were made at a discussion titled "Protecting Public Health from the Harmful Effects of Tobacco: The Way Forward" jointly organised by the Bangladesh Retired Government Employees Welfare Association and the Development Organisation of the Rural Poor-DORP at the Obosor Bhaban in the capital.
Speaking at the event, Administrator of the Welfare Association Ismail Hossain said protecting public health and ensuring effective tobacco control are among the key commitments of the current government's election manifesto.
He added that discouraging the use of tobacco and nicotine products and protecting future generations from their harmful effects are among the government's highest priorities in building a healthy and productive nation.
Retired Secretary Md Shamsul Alam Khan said the national budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 imposed taxes on nicotine pouches, nicotine granules and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
As a result, these emerging nicotine products are effectively receiving legal recognition and greater opportunities for market expansion.
Director of the Welfare Association Mohammad Ali said Bangladesh has the highest tobacco use prevalence in South Asia (35.3%), and tobacco-related diseases cause nearly 200,000 premature deaths every year.
In 2024, the economic cost of tobacco-related health and environmental damage amounted to approximately Tk 87,000 crore, more than double the revenue generated from the tobacco sector, he said.
Ali emphasised that, in light of this reality, the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005 (Amended 2026) must be strictly enforced, and effective measures must be taken to prevent the spread of emerging nicotine products in order to protect public health.
The speakers thanked the government for amending the law and expressed optimism that, in line with the commitments outlined in the government's election manifesto, appropriate measures will be taken to strengthen tobacco control efforts, particularly to protect future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products.