HC questions BEZA's nod for Philip Morris nicotine pouch factory amid tobacco restrictions
The court directed the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the Ministry of Health, and Philip Morris to respond within ten days
The High Court has issued a rule asking why the government's approval allowing the multinational tobacco company Philip Morris to set up a nicotine pouch manufacturing plant should not be declared illegal.
The bench of Justice Shikdar Mahmudur Razi and Justice Rajib Uddin Ahmed issued the rule on Monday after hearing a public interest writ petition filed by Sayera Nazabi Sayem, Advocate Sajidul Islam, and Mahir Chowdhury. Barrister Asif Bin Anwar represented the petitioners in court.
The court directed the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the Ministry of Health, and Philip Morris to respond within ten days.
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According to the petitioners, BEZA approved the establishment of a nicotine pouch factory for Philip Morris Bangladesh Ltd on 27 April in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, despite existing government policy and prior directives of the Appellate Division. The approval states that the products would be sold domestically, not exported. The petitioners argued that the decision has already raised serious concern among social and cultural organisations over the potential health and environmental risks to young people.
The writ also cites a landmark Appellate Division judgment delivered on 1 March 2016, in Civil Appeal Nos. 204–205 of 2001. In that verdict, the apex court issued six directives to reduce tobacco use in Bangladesh within a reasonable timeframe. Among them were strict instructions not to approve or license any new tobacco or tobacco-product companies and to encourage existing companies to transition to other industries.
The petitioners argue that allowing a new nicotine product factory directly contradicts these directives, as well as the constitutional obligation of the state to prohibit substances harmful to public health.
The High Court's ruling raises renewed scrutiny of regulatory compliance within the tobacco sector, with public health advocates calling for stronger enforcement of existing laws. The matter will be revisited once the respondents submit their explanations.
