State Minister Azad calls for higher tobacco taxes in next budget
Prices of essential commodities rose by 27% to 89% between 2021 and 2023; cigarette prices increased by only 6% to 15% during the same period, he says
State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad called for higher taxes on tobacco products in the upcoming national budget, saying stronger fiscal measures are essential to protect public health and curb youth smoking.
Protecting public health and strengthening tobacco control remain key commitments of the government, he said while speaking at a discussion in Pan Pacific Sonargaon in the capital today (21 May).
The state minister said while prices of essential commodities rose by 27% to 89% between 2021 and 2023, cigarette prices increased by only 6% to 15% during the same period, making tobacco products relatively cheaper despite rising living costs.
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He also alleged that tobacco companies deliberately target young people to create long-term consumers, and said he would raise the issue of tobacco taxation in Parliament and with relevant policymakers.
The programme, organised by Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP), highlighted concerns over the affordability and accessibility of tobacco products in Bangladesh.
Among others present were AHM Noman, founder and ceo of DORP and Deputy Executive Director Mohammad Zobayer Hasan.
