The Smoking and Tobacco Products Use (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 represents one of the most significant public health reforms in the country’s history. It is a national public health imperative. Against this backdrop, strengthening tobacco control is not a policy choice but an urgent necessity. Yet this landmark public health achievement now faces its most critical test. In this context, hesitation, dilution, or reopening of settled provisions would serve only commercial interests -- at the direct expense of public health.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 03, 2026 05:05 UTC