Dhaka, May 21, 2026:
Speakers at a discussion organized by the Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP) on Thursday called for effective taxation and higher prices on all tobacco products in the upcoming national budget for FY2026–27 to protect public health and discourage smoking among youths.
The discussion meeting was held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.
A keynote paper presented at the seminar stated that Bangladesh currently follows a four-tier cigarette pricing structure — low, medium, high, and premium. According to the presentation, nearly 90 percent of cigarettes sold in the market belong to the low and medium tiers, making tobacco products relatively affordable and easily accessible, particularly for young people and low-income communities.
The paper proposed merging the low and medium tiers and fixing the minimum retail price at BDT 100 per 10-stick cigarette pack. It also recommended setting prices at BDT 150 for the high tier and BDT 200 for the premium tier. The proposal further suggested maintaining a 67 percent supplementary duty across all tiers and imposing a specific tax of BDT 4 per pack.
According to the keynote presentation, implementation of these measures could discourage more than 372,000 youths from initiating smoking and help prevent the premature deaths of over 185,000 young people in the long term.
Speaking as the chief guest, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad MP said protecting public health and strengthening tobacco control were among the commitments outlined in the government’s election manifesto. He emphasized that alongside tobacco control laws, effective taxation and price increases on tobacco products are essential.
Referring to the keynote findings, he said prices of essential commodities increased significantly between 2021 and 2023, while cigarette prices rose at a much lower rate, making cigarettes comparatively cheaper and more accessible despite rising living costs.
He also alleged that tobacco companies strategically target youths to create long-term consumers. The minister said he would raise the issue of tobacco taxation and price increases in Parliament and discuss it with relevant policymakers.
Special guest Sultana Jesmin Jui MP expressed concern that the harmful effects of tobacco extend beyond smokers and also affect women, children, and families through passive smoking and economic burdens.
She noted that Bangladesh has one of the highest tobacco use rates in South Asia and said nearly 200,000 people die prematurely every year from tobacco-related diseases. Referring to the keynote paper, she added that tobacco-related health and environmental damages in 2024 amounted to nearly BDT 87,000 crore, exceeding the revenue generated from the tobacco sector.
Citing international examples, she said effective tobacco taxation can reduce smoking rates while simultaneously increasing government revenue. Referring to reforms in the Philippines, she noted that cigarette sales declined significantly following the implementation of sin tax reforms and a unified tax structure, while government revenue increased substantially.
Another speaker, S M Jahangir Hossain MP, said the existing tobacco tax structure is causing the government to lose nearly BDT 44,000 crore in potential annual revenue. He said stronger tobacco taxation policies could play an important role in improving healthcare, education, and social protection programs while protecting youths from tobacco addiction.
The seminar began with a welcome speech by DORP Founder and CEO AHM Noman. Closing remarks were delivered by Chairman Mohammad Nurul Amin, while the session was moderated by Deputy Executive Director Mohammad Zobayer Hasan.
Among others present at the event were anti-tobacco youth representative Naima Ahmed, Imran Hasan, and other distinguished participants.
