PROGGA, ATMA welcome approval of tobacco control ordinance, urge quick gazette

Research and advocacy organisation PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA) have welcomed the government’s approval of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.The approval was given at a meeting of the Advisory Council. The two organisations have urged the government to publish the ordinance in the official Gazette without delay to ensure its prompt implementation. In a media statement issued on Friday, PROGGA and ATMA said the approval marks an important step in protecting public health in Bangladesh. They stressed that swift gazette notification is necessary to complete the legal process and to prevent interference from vested interests.

 PROGGA Executive Director ABM Zubair said delays could open the door to influence by tobacco companies, noting that the industry had previously attempted to interfere during similar amendment processes. Tobacco use remains a major public health concern in Bangladesh, with more than 130,000 deaths reported each year from tobacco-related diseases such as cancer, stroke, heart disease and chronic respiratory illness. Despite existing regulations, 35.3 percent of adults in the country still use tobacco. Citing research findings, the organisations said tobacco use and production cause annual health and environmental losses of around Tk 870 billion, more than twice the revenue generated by the  tobacco sector. The statement said the losses place a heavy burden on individuals, families and the national economy.

PROGGA and ATMA said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare initiated the amendment to further strengthen tobacco control. They expressed hope that once the ordinance is gazetted and fully implemented, it will significantly reduce tobacco-related deaths and help Bangladesh meet Sustainable Development Goal target 3a on reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases.