Under the former prime minister Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand also legislated to reduce the nicotine content of tobacco products and force them to be sold only through specialty tobacco stores, rather than convenience stores and supermarkets
Since then, public health advocates have actively sought methods to reduce tobacco consumption and its associated risks
Smokers are at greater risk of tooth loss, serious periodontal disease and a great many other problems that range from aesthetically displeasing to life threatening
A market investigation by The Business Standard found that virtually every cigarette brand is being sold above its printed MRP, because cigarette companies sell to distributors at or virtually at the MRP itself, leaving no margin for retail sellers Highlights: Cigarettes widely sold above government-set Maximum Retail Prices across Bangladesh Retailers overcharge because distributors sell near official retail prices Government may lose over Tk4,000 crore annually in tax revenue Single-stick cigarette sales significantly increase illegal price markups Authorities acknowledge overpricing but enforcement remains weak and complaint-driven Experts urge wholesale pricing reforms and stricter market monitoring Despite clear legal provisions that prohibit retailers from charging more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on product packaging, cigarettes continue to be sold above the government-set price across Bangladesh, a long-running practice that experts say is depriving the government of thousands of crores of taka in revenue while enriching the distribution chain
Gold & Precious Metals: Were Not Kidding Around Large amounts of gold bars or jewelry are high-priority targets for Taiwan Customs
