Two anti-tobacco organizations in Bangladesh have proposed a significant increase in cigarette prices to protect young people from tobacco-related harm and reduce premature deaths. The proposal, presented on May 11 at the National Press Club by the National Heart Foundation and the United Forum Against Tobacco, calls for setting the retail price per cigarette between 17 and 35 taka.

The proposal divides cigarettes into four price tiers to both reduce tobacco use and increase government revenue. Under the plan, premium cigarettes would cost 200 taka per 10-stick pack, with excise and specific taxes raising the per-stick price to 35 taka. The high tier would rise to 150 taka per pack, or about 25.45 taka per stick, while medium and low tiers would each be priced at 100 taka per pack, making the lowest per-stick price 17.01 taka.

Health experts at the event said smoking is a major cause of cancer and other serious diseases in Bangladesh. They urged the government to consider these proposals in the upcoming budget to help build a tobacco-free nation.