The interim government has enacted a landmark law banning the use, production, and sale of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and emerging nicotine products.
The Smoking and Tobacco Products Use (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, promulgated on Wednesday, introduces some of the strictest tobacco regulations in the country’s history.
The production, import, export, storage, and sale of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches are now criminal offenses. Violators face up to six months in prison, a fine of Tk 500,000, or both.
Smoking and tobacco use are now prohibited in all public places and public transport. The fine for individual violations has been hiked from Tk 300 to a maximum of Tk 2,000.
Tobacco sales are strictly prohibited within a 100-metre radius of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, playgrounds, and parks.
A total ban has been placed on tobacco advertising across all platforms, including social media. Furthermore, health warnings on packaging must now cover at least 75 percent of the surface area.
The Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) stated that the move aims to protect public health from nicotine addiction and streamline various regulations under a single legal framework.
The law grants authorities increased powers to cancel business licenses and seize non-compliant goods to ensure strict adherence to the new standards.
