Tobacco and Nicotine Products a Major Obstacle to Achieving the SDGs

PROGGA Roundtable_08 September 2026

Nearly 71 percent of all deaths in Bangladesh are attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer, with tobacco and nicotine products among the major contributing factors. Without strong legislation and effective enforcement, achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one-third will be difficult. Experts called for strong and effective measures to address tobacco and nicotine products as part of the government’s five-year strategic initiatives for achieving the SDGs at a roundtable discussion titled “Tobacco Control, NCDs and SDGs: Bangladesh’s Progress and Way Forward,” organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA) at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka on Tuesday (September 8). 

The roundtable discussion highlighted that around 200,000 people die each year from tobacco-related diseases in Bangladesh, making tobacco use a major obstacle to achieving SDG 3, the health-related goal. Tobacco also poses a significant barrier to achieving almost all other SDGs, from poverty eradication and food security to quality education, gender equality, environmental protection, climate action, and biodiversity conservation.

The roundtable discussion further highlighted that the government has recently amended the tobacco control law, which is undoubtedly a laudable initiative. However, it is deeply concerning that the finalized law leaves e-cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, and other emerging tobacco and nicotine products outside its scope. Speakers stressed that appropriate legal measures are urgently needed to address the threats posed by such products and safeguard public health. Given their detrimental impact on public health, a number of countries have already banned e-cigarettes and vaping products. Speakers also urged the government to formulate the necessary Rules under the amended law at the earliest and to implement Article 5.3 of the FCTC to protect tobacco control policies from interference by the tobacco industry. 

In his speech as the Chief Guest, National Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah, who chaired the event, said, “Tobacco control goes beyond the health sector and is directly linked to the country’s development, economy, and the protection of future generations. Translating political and institutional commitments to tobacco control into action would help accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs.” 

Professor Dr. Golam Mohiuddin Faruque, President, Bangladesh Cancer Society, said, “The woes of cancer patients reveal the terrible consequences of tobacco use. Tobacco control measures must be strengthened to protect people from the poison of tobacco.” 

Zahirul Alam, Executive Director of Channel24, said, “Media can create mass awareness regarding tobacco control and thus expedite the proper implementation of the law.”

Reaz Ahmad, Editor, Dhaka Tribune, said, “Media platforms should publish more pieces that highlight how the issue of tobacco control is linked with tackling NCDs and achieving SDGs.” 

The event was also addressed by ATMA Convener Mortuza Haider Liton and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA, along with representatives of various tobacco control organizations. The keynote presentation was delivered by Hasan Shahriar, Head of Programs at PROGGA, and the session was moderated by Nadira Kiron, Co-Convener of ATMA. - Press release