Bangladesh’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain has said that stronger laws are needed to protect society from the harmful effects of tobacco. Speaking on Monday, June 15, 2026, at a discussion marking World No Tobacco Day at the International Mother Language Institute, he described tobacco as a severe addiction that harms nearly every organ of the body. He noted that loopholes in existing laws allow offenders to escape punishment and urged for stricter enforcement.

The minister warned that young people are increasingly turning from tobacco to other dangerous addictions. He highlighted the health impacts of tobacco use, including sleep disruption, appetite loss, weight reduction, and cancer of the mouth and teeth. Hossain also issued a stern warning against irregularities in the health sector, citing the closure of Ad-Din Medical College Hospital for inhumane service while keeping its medical college open.

He further stated that the country’s measles vaccination campaign has been fully successful, exceeding targets, and confirmed that no measles-related deaths were reported in the past week. Discussions on banning e-cigarettes are ongoing, he added.