Advocate Zainul Abedin, MP for Barishal-3 and chairman of a special parliamentary committee, on Monday expressed hope that the Tobacco Control Ordinance, 2025, would be passed in the very first session of parliament.

He made the remarks as chief guest at a discussion titled "The Importance and Necessity of Strengthening Tobacco Control Law to Protect Public Health from the Harmful Effects of Tobacco" at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The event was organised by Nari Maitree.

"We believe human life is far more valuable than revenue," Zainul Abedin said. "With this in mind, the ordinance has been thoroughly reviewed by the committee, and we hope it will be turned into law within the stipulated time in line with parliamentary obligations."

Tasfia Nowrin, a member of the Anti-Tobacco Youth Forum, said around 28 per cent of Bangladesh's population is made up of young people, according to the 2022 Population Census.

"It is not possible to achieve national progress by ignoring this segment, especially when tobacco companies are targeting youth," she said. "To counter these tactics, the Tobacco Control Ordinance must be turned into law in the first session of the current parliament."

In her closing remarks, Shaheen Akhter Dolly, executive director of Nari Maitree, said the harm caused by tobacco extends far beyond individual health risks.

"It also has severe negative impacts on families, society and the national economy," she said, adding that more than 11 per cent of female deaths in Bangladesh are linked to tobacco-related diseases, according to the Tobacco Atlas 2025.

She urged lawmakers to enact the ordinance to help protect women's health.

Members of anti-tobacco mothers', teachers', women journalists' and youth forums, along with representatives of various civil society organisations, were also present at the event.