Public Smoking Fine Increased to Tk 2,000 Under New Ordinance

The President of Bangladesh has issued a new ordinance, amending the Smoking and Tobacco Control (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which significantly increases fines for smoking in public places. The fine for public smoking has been raised from Tk 300 to a maximum of Tk 2,000.

The ordinance, issued on 30 December 2025, amends the Smoking and Tobacco Control Act, 2005. It aims to curb tobacco use in public spaces and has broadened the definition of public places to include educational institutions, offices, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, transport terminals, parks, fairs, and even open spaces around buildings.

In addition to this, the new ordinance mandates standard packaging for tobacco products, requiring health warnings to cover at least 75% of the tobacco product packaging, up from the previous 50%. The ordinance also bans the depiction of tobacco use in print, electronic, and online media, including social media and OTT platforms, as well as in films, dramas, and documentaries.

Tobacco advertisements and promotions, including the display of tobacco products at sales points and the use of tobacco company logos under corporate social responsibility (CSR), have been prohibited. Violations of these provisions could lead to fines ranging from Tk 100,000 to a maximum of Tk 500,000.

Furthermore, all tobacco product packaging must feature health warnings along with colorful images covering at least 75% of both sides. Additionally, the product packaging must include production dates and quit-line helpline numbers. Tobacco sales without standard packaging are now prohibited.

Violations of the new provisions will be treated under criminal law, with the authorities allowed to seek assistance from law enforcement if needed to remove illegal advertisements.