, April 29 -- Leading physicians and public health experts in Bangladesh have called for comprehensive tobacco tax reform in the upcoming FY 2026-27 national budget, emphasizing its critical role in reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and strengthening public finances.

The call was made at a seminar titled ''Increasing Tobacco Taxes for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases: Budget FY 2026-27 Perspective," organized by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Delivering the welcome address, Professor Fazila-Tun-Nesa Malik, Secretary General of the organization, highlighted the urgency of prioritizing tobacco control as a key public health strategy. The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. Sohel Reza ...