Tobacco control ordinance to be enacted in first session of parliament: State Minister

The Tobacco Control Ordinance, aimed at protecting the health of women, children and young people, will be enacted in the first session of parliament, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin said on Friday.

She made the remarks at a youth conference organised by Nari Maitree at the Kabi Shamsur Rahman Seminar Hall of Bangla Academy. Dr Golam Mohiuddin Faruk, president of the Bangladesh Cancer Society, attended as special guest.

Given its significance for both public health and the economy, Farzana said, the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 was among the most important proposed ordinances.

Farzana said the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 was one of the most important proposed ordinances, given its significance for both public health and the economy.

As there is consensus on the matter, it will be enacted in the first parliamentary session in line with constitutional requirements, she said.

Faruk said the government spends more on treating tobacco-related illnesses than it earns from tobacco revenue, and urged that the ordinance be turned into law in the first session of parliament.

Tasfia Nowrin of the Nari Maitree Anti-Tobacco Youth Forum said young people, who make up around 28 per cent of the population according to the 2022 census, are the main target of tobacco companies.

She urged the newly elected government to enact the ordinance in line with its election pledge.

Nari Maitree Executive Director Shaheen Akter Dolly presided over the event.

Among those present were former DGHS director Prof Dr Shah Ali Akbar Ashrafi, members of Nari Maitree’s anti-tobacco forums, and representatives of civil society.