Bangladesh’s new government has approved a wide-ranging anti-tobacco law that bans advertising, promotion and display across print, electronic, digital and social media, entertainment platforms and points of sale.

The Smoking and Tobacco Usage (Control) (Amendment) Law, 2025 also prohibits corporate social responsibility initiatives from using tobacco brand names, logos or trademarks.

Cigarette packs have to carry pictorial health warnings covering at least 75% of their surface and include the contact numbers of the national quit line.

It also expands smoke-free public places and bans the sale and use of tobacco products within 100 meters of schools, hospitals, clinics and playgrounds. 

This is one of the first laws passed by the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who was sworn in last month after winning elections in February. Rahman’s Bangladesh National Party took over from an interim administration installed after an uprising in 2024 removed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League from power.

the country has a high prevalence of tobacco use,  with an estimated 25% of men in Bangladesh smoking – over 21 million.