Tobacco remains a silent killer in Bangladesh. The government and World Health Organization estimates that nearly 2 lakh people die every year from tobacco-related illnesses.
Meanwhile, Public health experts said, the newly amended Tobacco Control Act 2026 contains several weak provisions that could expose more young people to nicotine addiction.
According to various estimates, around 37.8 million people use tobacco in Bangladesh, while tobacco-related diseases claim more than 1 lakh 61 thousand lives annually.
Experts expressed concern that the law removed provisions banning e-cigarettes, vaping devices, nicotine pouches and other next-generation tobacco products, increasing the risk of nicotine addiction among the youth.