Photo: BSS

DHAKA, June 9, 2026 (BSS) - Public health experts and physicians have urged the government to raise the prices of tobacco products in the upcoming national budget, aiming to discourage young people from starting tobacco use.

They made the call at a seminar titled "Prevention of Tobacco Use Among Youth and Risks of Non-communicable Diseases: What Needs to Be Done," held today at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club.

The event was organized by the Platform of Medical and Dental Societies with technical support from the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh.

Speakers at the seminar said non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for around 71 percent of all deaths in Bangladesh, with tobacco consumption identified as one of the major contributing risk factors. 

They noted that low prices and widespread availability of tobacco products are encouraging many young people to start smoking, which is expected to further increase the prevalence of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses in the coming years.

They stressed that increasing tobacco prices through fiscal measures in the national budget would be an effective strategy to reduce initiation among youth and curb the long-term health and economic impacts of NCDs.

Dr Md Irfanur Rahman, Secretary General of the Platform of Medical and Dental Societies, delivered the welcome address at the seminar. The keynote presentation was given by Dr Muntaha Farhan, Director and Head of the Human Resources Division of the organization.