STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Two interim government advisers yesterday strongly criticised tobacco companies, accusing them of exerting intense pressure to block the latest amendment to the anti-tobacco law and of using “notorious” tactics to promote tobacco products.

They said the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 has been approved with stricter provisions to curb tobacco use, although it will require endorsement by the next parliament.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum and Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter made the remarks at a views exchange meeting at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital. The meeting was organised by the National Tobacco Control Cell of the health ministry.

The advisory council approved the ordinance on December 26 last year, expanding the definition of tobacco products and introducing new measures

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