Calls for Bangladesh to Increase Cigarette Prices for Health

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

May.27.2024

Calls for Bangladesh to Increase Cigarette Prices for Health

Anti-tobacco groups are urging Bangladesh to raise cigarette prices in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, despite stable prices in recent years.

According to a report in the Business Mail on May 25, anti-tobacco organizations are calling on Bangladesh to raise cigarette prices in the fiscal year 2024-2025.

Despite the significant increase in prices of essential goods, the price of cigarettes in Bangladesh has remained relatively stable. Over the past five fiscal years, the price of lower-end cigarettes has only increased by 10 BDT (about 0.09 USD), with an average annual increase of 2 BDT. Since 2019-2020, the price of these cigarettes has only increased once, by 1 BDT.

Critics argue that the failure to adjust cigarette prices for inflation makes it easier and more appealing for low-income groups to smoke. Currently, low-priced cigarettes account for 80% of the entire cigarette market. Experts recommend increasing the price of a 10-pack of low-cost cigarettes from 45 BDT to 60 BDT. They believe that adjusting prices for inflation would result in the government's revenue increasing by approximately 100 billion BDT.

Professor Nasrin Sultana from the Institute of Health Economics at the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh stated that the low-income population is the most susceptible to malnutrition. Increasing the price of low-grade cigarettes can not only reduce the number of smokers in this group, thus lowering health risks, but also increase tax revenue even during economic downturns.

References:

[1] Bangladesh Urged to Raise Cigarette Prices

Also Read:

[1] Bangladesh to Raise Tobacco Tax, Recommended as 37% by WHO

[2] Bangladesh Health Minister: Strengthening Tobacco Control Law to Reduce Smoking-Related Deaths

[3] BEA Proposal: 70% Tax on All Types of Tobacco

[4] Call to Candidates: Protect Public Health by Avoiding Tobacco Distribution

#Traditional tobacco #Legislation #Asia #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

NYS Youth Tobacco Use Down 29% Since 2022, Lowest Since 2000

According to the New York State Department of Health’s latest StatShot (Vol.17, #2025-1), high school tobacco product use in 2024 fell to 17.0%, the lowest rate since 2000, marking a 29% decline from 2022. E-cigarette use decreased from 18.7% to 13.1%, while cigarette use remained low at 2.4%.However, nicotine pouch use increased from 1.5% to 3.0%.

Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Bhutan to Impose 115% Tax on E-cigarettes Starting January 2026

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Bhutan has announced stronger actions to combat the growing threat of e-cigarette use, especially among youth. While no new vaping-related lung collapse cases have been reported since 2024, the MoH confirmed that fiscal and legal reforms are underway to include e-cigarettes in tax and tobacco control laws starting January 2026.

Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai

PMI Urges South Africa to Differentiate Smoke-Free Products from Cigarettes

South Africa is drafting new tobacco legislation aimed at reducing smoking-related deaths and promoting harm reduction.PMI said smoke-free products such as nicotine pouches and heated devices could play a critical role in reducing harm. Patrik Hildingsson, PMI’s director for oral products communications, said South Africa is developing a new regulatory framework to recognise and regulate smoke-free products, calling it a “big change” for the industry.

Oct.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000

Thailand Chonburi provincial police, in coordination with multiple agencies, raided a large-scale warehouse in downtown Chonburi used for producing and distributing e-cigarettes and vape liquids. Two Chinese nationals were arrested, and more than 40 categories of contraband—including vapes, e-liquids, and production equipment—were seized, with an estimated total value exceeding US$920,000 (about 30 million Thai baht).