Key points
• Full ban: e-cigarettes, vapes, and other emerging tobacco products are completely banned
• Punishable acts: production, import, export, storage, sale, and use are offences
• Penalties: up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine up to Tk5 lakh (about $4,100)
• Scope expanded: “tobacco products” now includes e-cigarettes, ENDS, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches
• Public-place enforcement: fine raised from Tk300 (about $2.46) to Tk2,000 (about $16.40)
2Firsts, January 4, 2026 – According to UNB, Bangladesh has completely banned e-cigarettes, vapes and other emerging tobacco products as the Smoking and Tobacco Products Use Control (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 has come into effect, with provisions for jail terms and hefty fines for violations.
The report says the ordinance was proposed by the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to strengthen the existing Smoking and Tobacco Products Use Control Act, 2005, and came into effect on Tuesday following approval by the President, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Thursday.
Under the new law, the production, import, export, storage, sale and use of e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products have been declared punishable offences. Violators may face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to Tk5 lakh (about $4,100,).
The report adds that the ordinance aims to protect people from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products and repeal separate laws related to bidi production by introducing a unified legal framework. Penalties have been significantly increased, with provisions for cancellation of licences and seizure of goods in the case of companies. The ordinance also includes provisions for filing and conducting cases under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
A key change is the expansion of the definition of “tobacco products” to include e-cigarettes, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Heated Tobacco Products and nicotine pouches. The government has also been empowered to declare any similar product as a tobacco product through gazette notification. Separate definitions for “nicotine” and “nicotine products” have been added, while the scope of “public place” has been significantly broadened.
The report says the government also banned the use of tobacco products in all public places and public transport, increasing the fine for violating this provision from Tk300 (about $2.46,) to Tk2,000 (about $16.40,). All forms of tobacco advertising and promotion have been prohibited in print, electronic and online media, including social media and OTT platforms.
In addition, sales of tobacco products have been banned within 100 metres of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, playgrounds and children’s parks. Display and promotion of tobacco packs at points of sale have been banned, along with the use of tobacco company names or logos in corporate social responsibility activities and the financial sponsorship of events or programmes by tobacco companies.
The ordinance also imposes a complete ban on the production, marketing and use of bidis made from kumbi leaves and tendu leaves. Mixing any harmful or addictive substances with tobacco or tobacco products has been declared a punishable offence. The law further strengthens health warnings and standard packaging, requiring graphic health warnings covering 75 percent of the package and prohibiting the sale of tobacco products without standard packaging.
Image source: UNB
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