Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms for Tobacco Control in Bangladesh

Empowering local authorities to enforce tobacco control laws and reduce tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) violations.

Location: Barishal Division, Bangladesh
Timeline: 2023–2024
Partners/Funders: The Union, Bloomberg Philanthropies, 18 local partner organizations
Beneficiaries: Local government institutions, enforcement agencies, sanitary inspectors, civil society committees, and communities across 18 municipalities
Focus Areas: Health, governance, policy enforcement, community engagement

The Challenge

Tobacco use in Bangladesh remains a major public health concern, with frequent violations of laws regulating sales, advertising, and promotion. Local government institutions and enforcement agencies lacked systematic mechanisms and coordination to implement tobacco control regulations effectively. Points of sale often violated TAPS bans, reducing the impact of national tobacco control policies and putting communities at risk.

What We Did

  • Facilitated mobile court operations: Conducted 32 operations by Executive Magistrates to enforce tobacco control laws in project municipalities.

  • Sensitized local authorities: Engaged 18 Mayors and local government officials on LGI guidelines, including licensing requirements for points of sale (POSs).

  • Activated sanitary inspectors: Enabled district and upazila Sanitary Inspectors to monitor and prevent TAPS ban violations at POSs.

  • Collected compliance data: Used online surveillance to track 7,628 POSs and identify violations.

  • Issued licensing circulars: Supported 8 municipalities to ensure POSs obtained proper licenses for selling tobacco products.

Impact

  • Mobile court enforcement: 32 operations conducted, strengthening accountability and visibility of enforcement.

  • Increased compliance: 2,347 POSs successfully licensed for selling tobacco products.

  • Reduced violations: TAPS ban violations at POSs decreased from 3.1 to 1.2 per POS.

  • Strengthened institutions: Mayors, LGI authorities, sanitary inspectors, and civil society committees are now more proactive and engaged in tobacco control, ensuring sustainability.

Lessons Learned

  • Frequent dialogue with Deputy Commissioners and UNOs encouraged Executive Magistrates to take a more proactive enforcement role.

  • Engaging Mayors and LGI authorities is crucial for institutional support and cooperation in tobacco control.

  • Civil society committees and sanitary inspectors play a key role as watchdogs, although tobacco industries continue attempting TAPS violations.

Quote

 “By working closely with local authorities and civil society, we have created a system where enforcement and community oversight can genuinely reduce tobacco violations.” — Project Team