Photo: BSS

KUSHTIA, April 28, 2026 (BSS) - Authorities destroyed a large quantity of illegal tobacco products worth approximately Taka 2.5 crore in Kushtia as part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and safeguard public health today.

The tobacco products were destroyed at Kushtia municipality compound under the supervision of the Customs, Excise and VAT Department this noon.

The operation was led by the Convener of the destruction committee and Joint Commissioner of the Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Jashore, Mohammad Marufur Rahman.

Member Secretary and Assistant Commissioner of Kushtia Md. Akbar Hossain was also present, along with representatives from the district administration, police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Fire Service, Department of Environment and municipal authorities.

According to customs officials, the action was carried out under the "Destruction of Seized Tobacco and Tobacco Products" programme, following directives from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

A substantial volume of seized goods was destroyed during the operation, including approximately 35.994 million sticks and units of bidi, cigarettes, jorda, and gul. These items had been confiscated over time through anti-smuggling drives conducted by various enforcement agencies.