Key Points
- High Court seeks justification for BEZA’s approval of a Philip Morris nicotine pouch plant.
- Approval issued on 27 April for domestic sales in Bangladesh.
- Petitioners cite conflict with policy and a 2016 Appellate Division ruling.
- Prior directives barred new tobacco-related company approvals.
- Ministries and Philip Morris must respond within ten days.
2Firsts, November 20, 2025 — According to the report, the Bangladesh High Court has issued a rule seeking justification for the approval allowing Philip Morris to set up a nicotine pouch manufacturing plant in Sonargaon, Narayanganj.
The order followed a public interest writ filed by Sayera Nazabi Sayem, Advocate Sajidul Islam, and Mahir Chowdhury, represented in court by Barrister Asif Bin Anwar. The Ministry of Commerce, BEZA, the Ministry of Health, and Philip Morris were directed to respond within ten days.
Petitioners stated that BEZA approved the project on 27 April despite government policy and earlier Appellate Division directives restricting the establishment of new tobacco or tobacco-product companies. The approval notes the products would be sold domestically. They argued the decision has already raised concern among social and cultural organisations over potential health and environmental risks.
The writ referenced a 1 March 2016 Appellate Division judgment that issued six directives aimed at reducing tobacco use nationwide, including prohibiting new approvals for tobacco-related companies and encouraging existing firms to shift to other industries. Allowing a new nicotine product facility, petitioners said, contradicts these directives and the state’s constitutional obligation to protect public health.
The case has renewed scrutiny of regulatory compliance within the tobacco sector. Further proceedings will follow after respondents submit their explanations.
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