Tobacco Control Program
The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh works with policymakers, the National Board of Revenue and civil society to strengthen tobacco control law and taxation, so that tobacco becomes less affordable, less visible and less used.
01About the program
Tobacco use remains one of the most significant public health challenges in Bangladesh, contributing substantially to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions. Despite considerable progress in tobacco control over the past two decades, a large proportion of the population continues to use tobacco in both smoked and smokeless forms.
According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Bangladesh 2017, approximately 35.3% of adults aged 15 years and above use tobacco, representing about 37.8 million users nationwide. Among them, 18% use smoked tobacco products such as cigarettes and bidis, while 20.6% use smokeless tobacco products including jarda and gul.
Since 2010, the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh has been actively involved in national tobacco control advocacy under the visionary leadership of Late Brigadier Professor Abdul Malik, recognizing the importance of coordinated civil society action via the United Forum Against Tobacco (UFAT).
Bangladesh has made measurable progress in reducing tobacco use, yet the prevalence of consumption remains substantial. Continued efforts in policy reform, taxation, and multi-sectoral collaboration are essential.
02What we do
Policy, taxation, clinical care, training, public awareness and coalition work, pursued together so that each reinforces the others.
Advocating for the passage and strict enforcement of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance.
Engaging the National Board of Revenue on cigarette tier reform, higher prices and supplementary duty, and a uniform specific tax.
Counselling and clinical support through the Tobacco Cessation Clinic at the National Heart Foundation Hospital, so dependent users can quit safely.
Training physicians and health workers in cessation counselling, so that every clinical contact can become a chance to quit.
Campaigns that explain the harms of active and secondhand smoke to young people and the wider public.
Working with the United Forum Against Tobacco and partner organisations, and mobilising citizens behind unified demands.
03The law we advocate for
Bangladesh's tobacco control law has gaps that the industry uses. In March 2025, NHFB and partner organisations submitted an application signed by nearly 20,000 citizens to the relevant ministries, demanding swift enactment of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance 2025.
These are the provisions we ask for.
04Research
An online survey of 524 Bangladeshi young adults aged 18–24, all active social media users recruited through online platforms, in 2025. The findings show why e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches need the same strict rules as cigarettes.
In line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
05Activities
Petitions, training and awareness events from the program team.
Submitted an application signed by nearly 20,000 citizens to the relevant Ministries.
National campaign highlighting the devastating effects of tobacco on youth.
Workshops training over 250 young physicians across Bangladesh on cessation counseling.
06Help to quit
A hospital clinic, trained counsellors and a Bangla-language app, because policy change and personal help belong together.
Tobacco Cessation Clinic
ন্যাশনাল হার্ট ফাউন্ডেশন হাসপাতাল এন্ড রিসার্চ ইনষ্টিটিউট
প্লট-২৬/৪, সেকশন-১, দারুস সালাম রোড, মিরপুর, ঢাকা-১২১৬ ফোন: ৫৮০৫৪৭০৮-১২ Ext. ১৫৬
Mobile app · Android
বাংলাদেশের প্রথম তামাক নিবৃত্তকরণ মোবাইল অ্যাপ
বাংলাদেশের প্রথম অনলাইন তামাক নিবৃত্তকরণ ক্লিনিক বহি:বিভাগ, ন্যাশনাল হার্ট ফাউন্ডেশন হাসপাতাল এন্ড রিসার্চ ইনষ্টিটিউট
07Publications
Practical documents for hospitals, health workers and advocates. Free to download and share.
Findings from an NHFB online survey of 524 young adults aged 18–24 in 2025 on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches: how many have tried them, why, where they buy them and the marketing they see, with policy recommendations.
Implementation Guideline for Tobacco-Free Health Care Centres
Published by the National Tobacco Control Cell (Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) and the NCD Control Programme, DGHS, with technical support from NHFB, the United Forum Against Tobacco and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. A step-by-step guide for hospitals and health facilities to become 100% tobacco-free: policy, signage, roles of staff and providers, cessation support, and awareness for patients and visitors.
08Partners
NHFB helped form the United Forum Against Tobacco and works with national and international partners on tobacco control.
Follow the campaign
Press releases, event updates and awareness drives from the program team.
Sources
Tobacco use figures are from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Bangladesh 2017, published by the National Tobacco Control Cell, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with the World Health Organization.
