The Advisory Council of the interim government has returned the proposed amendments to the Tobacco Control Law for further review. The Health Services Division placed the draft of Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 in the council meeting on Thursday in a bid to amend the existing act. The Council meeting, presided over by Interim Government’s Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus, decided that a High-Powered Committee, led by Economic and Finance Advisor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, will be responsible for revising the draft.
This decision reflects a refreshing emphasis on compassion and inclusivity, recognizing that policy changes must consider all segments of our society -- from tobacco farmers to retailers, street vendors, and other members of the informal labor force. By taking a step back to evaluate the broader impacts, the interim government has shown commitment to national interest above any narrow agenda, setting the stones for a balanced approach that acknowledges both economic and health concerns.
In a country where millions depend on the tobacco sector for their livelihoods, sudden regulatory changes could risk destabilizing the incomes of families already navigating economic challenges. Experts commented that by referring these amendments back to the Health Ministry, the Advisory Council have shown responsibility and pragmatism. They are considering the full scope of potential consequences on all stakeholders involved, from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), relevant government departments, retailers and the industry that contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.The NBR and relevant government bodies such as the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Labor and Employment, Ministry of Industries and BIDA play a crucial role in terms of determining revenues, livelihoods of the members of the informal labor and the overall impact on economy. Thus, it is important to understand how to safeguard the revenue alongside the economic interest of the people.
Decisions of this magnitude are rarely straightforward; they are bound to affect different social and economic facets. The Council’s response acknowledges that while health remains a priority, the livelihoods of countless individuals are also a crucial part of the equation. Such an approach is not just compassionate but also economically astute. Policymaking, after all, is about balancing competing needs. In this instance, the Council is weighing public health with economic stability, job and livelihood preservation, and revenue protection. The reality is that these laws, while intending to reduce tobacco consumption, will inadvertently harm some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens. Concerns prevail for more than 15 lakh small retailers who will require additional resources to remain compliant to the proposed changes. Street vendors, hawkers and families that depend heavily on the earning from sale of tobacco products directly and indirectly will be immediately impacted. Multiple sources suggest that more than 60 lakh people will suffer. This restrictive policy will halt their daily business, creating financial hardship for these individuals who are already struggling to make ends meet in this merciless inflation condition. If there is a sudden and strict policy announcement, it is expected to render the livelihoods unsustainable for more than 750,000 tobacco farmers, as demand for quality crop from compliant manufacturers is likely to drop due to market disruptions. Without a proper alternative plan for these farmers to shift from their cash crop to other agricultural productions, the last thing the nation needs at this point is to demolish livelihood of farmers and their families.
Earlier National Board of Revenue (NBR) took attempt to highlight the public leaders’ and NBR’s preference for dialogue and a balanced approach over abrupt enforcement. This step reflects the value placed on stakeholder engagement and thoughtful policy.
Every decision, especially one as significant as amending the Tobacco Control Law, has a ripple effect that extends well beyond its intended targets in Bangladesh. A policy shift in one area may cause unintended consequences in another, and the complex interplay between public health and economic prospects cannot be ignored. By returning the amendments for further review, the Council have shown a level of foresight and inclusivity that identifies the importance of a holistic approach.When stakeholders are consulted, they not only input through their opinions and ideas, but they bring with them years of experience in the regulated industry and can help government to better understand impacts of different policies/laws.
Bangladesh’s policymakers should focus on outcomes that benefit the nation as a whole. Gradual adaptable changes and well analyzed impactful laws supported by public awareness campaigns offer a more effective path forward. A hasty reform excluding those impacted could undermine the very vision it seeks to uphold -- damaging livelihoods, reducing government revenue, and pushing consumers toward more dangerous products in the process. Moving forward, we hope to see a process that is not only inclusive but also consultative -- bringing together voices from all sides to ensure a path forward that secures both the well-being of our citizens and the health of our economy.
Rezaul Hasan is an ex-member (VAT) policy, National board of revenue, Dhaka. He can be reached at rezaul.prottush@gmail.com