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

Key Points

• Philip Morris Bangladesh Ltd. received approval to build a nicotine pouch factory in Narayanganj with a USD 5.82 million investment.
• The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority stated the project is “completely legal” and compliant with existing laws and industrial policy.
• Anti-tobacco groups protested, claiming nicotine pouches are addictive and appealing to youth.
• Activists argued the approval breaches the 2016 Supreme Court order banning new tobacco factory permits.

2Firsts | November 7, 2025 — The Bangladeshi government’s approval for Philip Morris International (PMI) to build a nicotine pouch production facility has sparked backlash from public health and anti-tobacco advocates.

In response, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), defended the decision, saying it is “fully compliant with the law and represents a legitimate business activity in Bangladesh.”

Philip Morris to Build Its First Nicotine Pouch Factory in Bangladesh

According to official statements, Philip Morris Bangladesh Limited has been granted approval to establish a full-fledged manufacturing plant in the Meghna Industrial Economic Zone, Narayanganj, with an initial investment of USD 5.82 million.

The factory is expected to become one of PMI’s key production hubs in South Asia, focused on local manufacturing and supply of nicotine pouch products.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Chairman Ashik emphasized, “I am a representative of the government, serving the people. Under the Constitution and the law, such an investment is entirely legal in Bangladesh. If the law does not prohibit it, I have no grounds to deny approval.”

He added that global debate continues regarding the relative risks of nicotine pouches versus traditional tobacco products:

“People can and should discuss these issues. But as a policymaker, I must balance industrial growth, job creation, and public health. We cannot shut down every tobacco-related business overnight.”

Activists Say the Decision Violates Supreme Court Ban

On November 6, several anti-tobacco organizations staged a protest in front of the Beza headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, demanding the immediate cancellation of the project’s approval.

Protesters described nicotine pouches as “a new trap by tobacco companies to hook young people,” highlighting the addictive nature of placing the pouch inside the mouth for nicotine absorption.

In a joint statement, campaigners noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings over the health risks of nicotine pouches, and 34 countries—including the Netherlands, Belgium, Russia, and France—have already banned the product.

The protest was organized by the Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance and the Bangladesh Tobacco Control Advocates (BTCA).

BTCA Convener Iqbal Masud pointed out that the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh ruled in 2016 that no new tobacco factories should be approved, and existing companies should transition to other industries.

“Beza’s decision not only contradicts Bangladesh’s public health commitments,” the statement said, “but also directly violates the Supreme Court’s directive.”