We absolutely agree that while Bangladesh has taken an important step by amending its tobacco control law, the immediate priority must now be to formulate the rules needed to make the amended law effective.
Experts have rightly called for the rules to be prepared without delay. The amended law was passed in April, strengthening several areas of tobacco control, but its provisions will have limited impact if there is uncertainty over how they are to be enforced.
This is particularly urgent given the scale of tobacco use in Bangladesh. According to figures cited at a recent discussion, 35.3% of the population uses tobacco, while tobacco-related deaths and economic losses impose a substantial burden on the country.
Research from the Institute of Health Economics estimated tobacco-generated government revenue at around Tk41,000 crore in FY25, against an annual economic cost of approximately Tk87,000 crore.
These figures should make clear that tobacco control is not simply a matter of individual choice. It is a public health, economic, and regulatory issue that affects families, healthcare systems, and productivity.
The rules must therefore be comprehensive and enforceable, and address gaps involving emerging nicotine products, single-stick cigarette sales, and the regulation of smoking areas, while ensuring that tobacco companies cannot exploit ambiguities in the law.
Experts have also stressed the importance of aligning implementation with Bangladesh's commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Most importantly, there must be no prolonged gap between passing a law and putting its supporting rules in place.
Bangladesh has already established the legal foundation. The next responsibility lies with the relevant authorities to ensure that the rules are formulated carefully, transparently, and swiftly, followed by consistent enforcement.
Public health cannot remain dependent on legislation that exists on paper. The real measure of this reform will be whether it produces a meaningful reduction in tobacco exposure and its consequences
