Bangladesh, May 13 -- Health experts, economists and government officials on Wednesday called for a significant increase in taxes and prices on all tobacco products in the upcoming FY2026-27 national budget, saying stronger taxation is essential to protect public health, discourage youth smoking and boost government revenue.

The demand came at a national seminar titled "The Necessity of Effectively Increasing Taxes and Prices on All Tobacco Products in the Upcoming FY 2026-27 Budget for Protecting Public Health", organised by Development Organisation of the Rural Poor-DORP at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital.

Speaking as chief guest, Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said tobacco products in Bangladesh remain cheaper than many essential comm...