Staff Reporter:
A leading tobacco company has openly violated tobacco control law by hosting FIFA World Cup screenings and concerts at a public place in the capital.
The event was organised by Abul Khair Tobacco Co Limited at Banani’s “Kamal Ataturk Park”, a modern public facility operated by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).
Anti-tobacco activists protested and condemned this commercial use of a public park, which is a direct violation of the law.
The Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance (BATA) issued a statement expressing grave concern.
“We observe with great concern that while the government is striving to implement tobacco control law, tobacco companies are resorting to various tactics to bypass the laws and regulations. By promoting their products, they are directly encouraging the youth to use tobacco. Such activities are violation of the tobacco control law,” said a statement signed by Syeda Anonna Rahman on behalf of BATA.
The anti-tobacco platform also said that leasing out such a public park for commercial purposes restricts public access and hinders socialisation, and harms the local environment.
The Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2026 strictly prohibits all forms of advertisement, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products.
As per the amended law, any activity aimed at encouraging tobacco use is strictly banned. Providing financial assistance, sponsorship, or partnering with any event or programme under the name of a tobacco brand or its corporate identity is a punishable offense.
The BATA statement further said that tobacco companies are systematically capitalising on the massive enthusiasm surrounding the FIFA World Cup, particularly among the youth.
Abul Khair Tobacco has been displaying tobacco advertisements and selling products under the guise of public match screenings at various locations, including Jagannath Hall and Banani’s Kamal Ataturk Park.
At the Banani venue, massive stalls have been erected under the sponsorship of several sister concerns of the Abul Khair Group. These stalls are actively displaying and promoting cigarette brand names, logos, trademarks, and other promotional branding.
BATA urged the authorities concerned to investigate these aggressive promotional campaigns and to take swift legal action.
The alliance confirmed that it has already sent formal letters to the authorities concerned, urging them to intervene immediately to stop these illegal activities.
