The sale or purchase of cigarettes by a minor, meaning any person under the age of 18, is a legally punishable offense.

Daily Bijoy News Shibpur, Narsingdi Correspondent:

One of the major obstacles to Bangladesh's development is the lack of a strong disease prevention system. Let us improve the economy by preventing diseases. During an inspection, Nurul Islam, the Sanitary Inspector of Rupganj Upazila, informed this reporter that he saw Shakil (14), from Chanpara, and Yusuf (12), from Mazina River Bank, Rupganj, Narayanganj, selling cigarettes in violation of Section 6(K) of the Tobacco Control Act. When asked about this, they stated that they were unaware of the tobacco law and its penalties.

Section 6(K) of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005, and its amendment in 2013, prohibits the sale of tobacco products to minors or by minors. Individuals under the age of 18 cannot buy or sell cigarettes. Violation of this law, under Section 6(K) of the Tobacco Control Act, carries a fine of 5,000 Taka. Shakil and Yusuf were informed in detail about the law. They became aware of the legal punishments and offenses. They promised not to sell cigarettes from their shops in the future. Finally, both shopkeepers were served with a warning notice for the future.

Daily Bijoy News/ Abu Naeem Ripon