, April 30 -- Speakers at a discussion on Thursday called for a strong tobacco tax policy including higher taxation and price increases on tobacco products in the 2026-27 national budget to safeguard public health.

The demand was raised at a discussion titled "The Importance of Effective Tobacco Taxation in the Upcoming 2026-27 National Budget," jointly organised by Dhaka Ahsania Mission and Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.

Speaking as the chief guest, Additional Secretary of the Health Services Division (World Health Wing) Sheikh Momina Moni said the easy availability of tobacco products in Bangladesh is contributing to rising smoking rates, particularly among youth and low-income g...