11/06/2026
On 08 May 2026, 'The Dhaka Tribune' published an op-ed titled “Why mandatory front-of-package labelling is Bangladesh's next public health frontier,” written by Reaz Ahmad, Editor, Dhaka Tribune.
The article highlights that Bangladesh already has a ready draft front-of-package labeling (FOPL) regulation, prepared by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), meaning no new law is needed—only political will for implementation. The policy is urgently needed because ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats are widely consumed and are driving a growing burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, which already cause about 71% of deaths in the country. FOPL would help consumers quickly identify unhealthy products, since current back-of-pack nutrition information is often too complex to understand. Evidence from other countries shows FOPL improves consumer awareness, encourages healthier choices, and pushes the food industry to reformulate products.
You can read the op-ed here: https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-ed/409644/why-mandatory-front-of-package-labelling-is
