Call to Candidates: Protect Public Health by Avoiding Tobacco Distribution

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.03.2024
Call to Candidates: Protect Public Health by Avoiding Tobacco Distribution
15 anti-smoking organizations have called on candidates in Bangladesh's 12th parliamentary election to avoid distributing and using tobacco products.

According to a report by Tbs News on January 2, 15 anti-smoking organizations have issued a joint statement urging candidates for the 12th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh to refrain from distributing and using various tobacco products during the ongoing election campaign, in order to protect public health.

 

The statement warned that the continued use of tobacco products during the election process would have a devastating impact on public mental health, especially among young people.

 

According to reports, the tobacco usage rate in Bangladesh has reached an alarming level, with 37.8 million adults using tobacco products. Additionally, 38.4 million people are exposed to second-hand smoke in workplaces, public transport, and other public places. An estimated 161,000 deaths occur each year, linked to tobacco consumption.

 

Bangladesh is one of the earliest countries to sign the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) by the World Health Organization. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has pledged to establish a smoke-free nation by 2040. In order to fulfill this commitment, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has initiated the process of revising tobacco laws.

 

The anti-smoking organization mentioned in their statement that if all candidates participating in the ongoing 12th National Parliament election can pledge to refrain from distributing and using tobacco products, it would be a significant milestone. This decision would also be a crucial step towards achieving a smoke-free Bangladesh.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

2Firsts On-Site | PMI Brings IQOS, ZYN, VEEV and Marlboro Together at Its “Boulevard” at InterTabac 2026
2Firsts On-Site | PMI Brings IQOS, ZYN, VEEV and Marlboro Together at Its “Boulevard” at InterTabac 2026
At InterTabac 2026 in Dortmund, PMI is presenting multiple brands and products along “The PMI Boulevard,” including IQOS, ZYN, VEEV and Marlboro. On-site images captured by 2Firsts show dedicated spaces including the IQOS Boutique, ZYN Café, PMI Gallery and Marlboro Office
Market
Sep.16 by 2Firsts Perspectives
PMI Expands U.S. ZYN Portfolio With New 1.5 mg and 8 mg Strengths, Moves Toward a Unified 20-Pouch-Per-Can Format
PMI Expands U.S. ZYN Portfolio With New 1.5 mg and 8 mg Strengths, Moves Toward a Unified 20-Pouch-Per-Can Format
Philip Morris International is expanding its U.S. ZYN nicotine pouch portfolio with new 1.5 mg and 8 mg strengths and plans to move its core 3 mg and 6 mg dry-pouch products from 15 to 20 pouches per can in the fourth quarter of 2026. ZYN ULTRA is also commercially available, with FDA authorization covering 10 products at 9 mg and one 11 mg Smooth product. PMI U.S. lists the new 1.5 mg and 8 mg strengths as commercially available, but as of September 10 they do not appear on the FDA’s public authorization list. Public materials do not identify which PMTA submissions cover the two new strengths or their current review status.
Sep.11
Trump Names Darrell Scott as CDC Tobacco Health Adviser, Citing Tobacco Risks and Harm-Reduction Solutions
Trump Names Darrell Scott as CDC Tobacco Health Adviser, Citing Tobacco Risks and Harm-Reduction Solutions
U.S. President Donald Trump has named Pastor Darrell Scott to serve as an adviser on tobacco health issues on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee to the Director. Trump said Scott would focus on the burden of tobacco-related disease and help examine ways to protect Americans from dangerous tobacco products while supporting solutions that reduce harm. Scott’s public career has largely centered on faith leadership, community advocacy and politics.
Sep.02
Product | BAT Expands VELO Peach Ice Medium to FamilyMart Stores Nationwide in Japan
Product | BAT Expands VELO Peach Ice Medium to FamilyMart Stores Nationwide in Japan
British American Tobacco Japan (BAT Japan) expanded VELO Peach Ice Medium to FamilyMart stores nationwide in Japan from September 7, 2026. The oral tobacco product first launched on July 6 and had previously been sold through VELO's official online store, glo Store Ginza and tobacco retailers. It combines peach flavor with menthol cooling at a Medium strength level and is priced at JPY 360. Japanese tobacco retailers list 15 pouches per pack. The move adds the new SKU to an existing nationwide FamilyMart distribution network for VELO rather than marking the brand's first entry into the convenience-store chain.
Sep.15
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
business accounting for 68.5% of sales. A new controlling investment in a Western European distributor and plans to scale modern oral nicotine pouches point to a broader international strategy spanning channels and multiple product categories.
Special Report
Aug.14
French Anti-Tobacco Group Questions PMI’s IQOS “Curiosity” Campaign Over Potential Youth Appeal
French Anti-Tobacco Group Questions PMI’s IQOS “Curiosity” Campaign Over Potential Youth Appeal
According to French anti-tobacco group Générations Sans Tabac, Philip Morris International’s (PMI) IQOS “Curiosity” campaign has drawn attention from public health advocates. The group argues that the campaign uses themes including curiosity, exploration and lifestyle branding that could increase interest among younger audiences. PMI has positioned IQOS as a key part of its smoke-free product strategy, while France maintains strict restrictions on tobacco and nicotine product marketing. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between heated tobacco branding strategies and public health concerns in Europe.
Jul.24