Dhaka, October 10, 2025 — Cyclists and public health activists have united to demand a stronger Tobacco Control Law in Bangladesh, urging the government to take immediate action against tobacco companies that are aggressively targeting the country’s youth through deceptive marketing tactics.
The call came during a cycle rally titled “Youth for Health: Time to Strengthen Tobacco Control Law”, organized by Madak Darbo O Nesha Nirodh Sangstha (MANAS) on Manik Mia Avenue, Dhaka. The event aimed to raise public awareness about the growing threat of tobacco addiction and its devastating impact on health, youth, and the national economy.
Tobacco Companies Accused of Targeting Youth
Speakers at the rally alleged that multinational tobacco companies are violating Bangladesh’s Tobacco Control Law by promoting cigarettes and e-cigarettes through illegal advertisements, smoking zones in restaurants, and point-of-sale displays. These activities, they warned, are part of a calculated effort to lure adolescents and young people into tobacco addiction.
“Tobacco companies are exploiting loopholes in the law to expand their market and profits while destroying young lives,” said Professor Dr. Arup Ratan Choudhury, Founder President of MANAS and Ekushey Padak recipient, who presided over the rally. “We can no longer allow these corporations to endanger our future generations.”
Experts Emphasize Urgent Law Reform
Public health experts and activists expressed grave concern over tobacco’s link to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which cause about 70% of all deaths in Bangladesh. Citizens currently bear 71% of total medical expenses from their own pockets — a burden that can only be reduced through stronger tobacco control measures.
Speakers urged the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to accelerate its initiative to amend the Smoking and Tobacco Products (Control) Act, 2005, despite resistance from tobacco industry lobbyists.
“Tobacco is the leading cause of non-communicable diseases, and the companies responsible must be held accountable for the economic and human suffering they cause,” said Advocate Syed Mahbubul Alam, a lawyer and policy analyst.
Public health expert Aminul Islam Sujon stressed the need for continuous awareness campaigns and stronger youth engagement to combat tobacco use.
Youth Power for a Tobacco-Free Bangladesh
The rally saw participation from BD Cyclists, Mohammadpur Cyclists, Hemonto Riders, and members of the Dhaka University Cyclists Group. Representatives from Vital Strategies’ Tobacco Control Program, WBB Trust, DAS, NATAB, and Gram Bangla Unnayan Committee also joined the event.
The program was conducted by Umme Jannat, Project Coordinator, and Md. Abu Raihan, Senior Project & Communication Officer of MANAS.
A National Health Crisis
According to recent estimates, about 161,000 people die each year in Bangladesh from tobacco-related diseases. Experts warned that without effective enforcement of tobacco control laws, the nation risks losing its youth to addiction, disease, and preventable death.
“Drug addiction among youth often begins with smoking,” Dr. Arup Ratan Choudhury added. “We are working tirelessly to protect our young generation — but we need stronger laws and national willpower to stop the tobacco industry’s manipulative tactics.”
Activists emphasized that strengthening the Tobacco Control Law is not only a health issue but also a moral and economic imperative to safeguard the nation’s future.
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