Tk5,000 fine for selling cigarettes near schools, hospitals

Bangla Press Desk:  The government has promulgated the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, with provision of maximum fine of Tk5,000 for selling cigarettes or tobacco products in areas near educational institutions, hospitals and other sensitive areas.

The ordinance was promulgated on Tuesday night by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Law Ministry amending the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005.

As per the amended ordinance, no person will be allowed to sell or cause the sale of tobacco or tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, sports venues and children’s parks.

The ordinance also states that the government or local government bodies may from time to time extend the boundary of the restricted area through general or special orders.

Any violation of the law will attract a fine of up to Tk5,000.

In case of a second or repeated offence, the punishment will be doubled, the ordinance added.

BP/SP