Bangladesh Approves Philip Morris Factory for Nicotine Pouches, Sparks Controversy: Regulator Says It’s “Completely Legal”

Nov.07

Philip Morris Bangladesh Limited (PMBL) has received approval to invest USD 5.82 million in a nicotine pouch factory in Narayanganj. Regulators say the project is legal under existing laws, while health groups argue it breaches a 2016 Supreme Court order and poses youth addiction risks.

Key Points

Philip Morris received approval to build a nicotine pouch factory in Bangladesh;
Initial investment: USD 5.82 million;
Regulators cite compliance with existing laws and industrial policy;
Health groups protest, warning of youth addiction risks;
WHO and several countries have already banned the product;
Critics say the move violates a 2016 Supreme Court order.

2Firsts | November 7, 2025 — According to The Business Standard, Philip Morris Bangladesh Limited (PMBL) has received government approval to establish a nicotine pouch factory in the Meghna Industrial Economic Zone, Narayanganj, with an initial investment of about USD 5.82 million.

Officials from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) stated that the approval complies with national industrial policies and current laws. They stressed that as long as the law does not prohibit such activity, the project should be considered a legitimate business investment.

The decision, however, has drawn criticism from public health and anti-tobacco groups, who protested outside BEZA’s head office in Dhaka on 6 November. Activists argued that nicotine pouches are highly addictive and pose risks to young people, citing World Health Organization (WHO) warnings and bans in countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Russia, and France.

They further claimed the approval contradicts a 2016 Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the creation of new tobacco factories, urging the government instead to transition existing ones to other industries.

References:

[1] 'An absolutely legal business in Bangladesh': Bida boss on approving nicotine pouch factory

Also Read:

[1] Bangladesh Supreme Court Rejects Lease Appeal, British American Tobacco to Close Dhaka Factory

[2] Bangladesh Tobacco Control Group Urges Reversal of Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory Approval

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