Tobacco control needs public movement, not just laws: Health Minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain on Monday called for a nationwide movement against tobacco, saying legislation alone would not be enough to curb tobacco and nicotine addiction, particularly among young people.

Speaking at a discussion titled "Unmask the Appeal: Protect Youth from Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction" marking World No Tobacco Day 2026 at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka, he urged all sections of society to join efforts to reduce tobacco use.

"We have a tobacco control law, but we need to strengthen it further. Everyone must stand against tobacco to save this nation," he said.

The minister noted that the health sector had received Tk 69,000 crore in the proposed FY2026-27 budget, the highest allocation since independence, but warned that investment alone would not improve public health unless tobacco consumption declined. He also highlighted the higher prevalence of addiction among lower-income families and called on young people to take a leading role in anti-tobacco campaigns.

Health Services Division Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury stressed the need for strict enforcement of existing laws.

"There is no point in strengthening the law if we do not enforce what already exists," he said, adding that behavioural change and public participation were essential to building a tobacco-free Bangladesh.

Former fisheries and livestock adviser Farida Akhter raised concerns about emerging nicotine products, saying nicotine pouches remain outside the scope of an effective regulatory framework. She warned that including such products in the tax system without imposing prohibitive taxes could legitimise their use.

She also expressed concern over tobacco cultivation in Kushtia, Rangpur and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, calling for the revival of the WHO Tobacco Cultivation Policy 2017.

WHO Representative to Bangladesh Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed welcomed the inclusion of nicotine products in proposed amendments to tobacco control laws, but warned that tobacco companies were continuously developing new strategies to attract young people.

Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof Pravath Chandra Biswas said tobacco-related illnesses claim more than 199,000 lives annually in Bangladesh. He added that cigarette waste reached 16,242 tonnes in 2024, underscoring the environmental impact of tobacco use alongside its health consequences.

Earlier, a rally was held with the participation of government officials, health experts and civil society representatives.