Smoking and Tobacco Control Ordinance Comes into Force

A new ordinance imposing stricter controls on smoking and tobacco use has officially taken effect. The Smoking and Tobacco Products Use (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 was approved by the President on December 30, following a proposal from the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing confirmed the development on Thursday (January 1).

Objective of the Ordinance

The primary goal of the amended ordinance is to protect public health from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products. It also repeals the separate ordinance related to bidi production, replacing it with a unified legal framework. In addition, all emerging tobacco products—including e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, and similar items—have been completely banned.

Expanded Definitions and New Inclusions

The definition of “tobacco products” has been broadened to include electronic cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated tobacco products (HTPs), nicotine pouches, and other emerging products. The government now holds the authority to declare any new product as a tobacco product through official gazette notifications.

Separate definitions for “nicotine” and “nicotine products” have been added, while the scope of what constitutes a “public place” has also been significantly expanded.

Stricter Rules in Public Places

Smoking and the use of all tobacco products are now prohibited in all public places and public transport. Violations of this rule will result in a fine of up to BDT 2,000, increased from the previous BDT 300.

Complete Ban on Advertising and Promotion

All forms of tobacco advertising are prohibited across print, electronic, online, social media, and OTT platforms. The ordinance also bans product display at sales points, the use of tobacco company names or logos in corporate social responsibility activities, and sponsorship or financial support of events by tobacco companies.

Sales Restrictions Near Sensitive Areas

The sale of tobacco products is now forbidden within 100 meters of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, playgrounds, and children’s parks.

Severe Penalties for Emerging Tobacco Products

The production, import, export, storage, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and other emerging tobacco products have been declared punishable offenses. Violators may face up to six months’ imprisonment and fines of up to BDT 500,000.

Ban on Certain Bidis and Harmful Additives

The production, marketing, and use of bidis made from kumbi and tendu leaves have been completely banned. The Bidi Production (Prohibition) Ordinance of 1975 has been repealed. Mixing harmful or addictive substances with tobacco products has also been categorized as a criminal offense.

Stronger Health Warnings and Enforcement

The ordinance mandates standardized packaging, requiring graphic health warnings covering 75 percent of tobacco product packaging. Penalties have been increased substantially, and authorities are empowered to cancel company licenses, seize products, and initiate legal action under criminal procedures.

According to the Press Wing, the government expects the effective implementation of this ordinance to significantly reduce tobacco use across the country and contribute positively to public health protection.