BANGLADESH IN RESPONSE TO THE WHO FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON TOBACCO (FCTC)

This research aims to explain the problem of tobacco control in Bangladesh and importantly to look for the reasons why Bangladesh ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The theories and a framework in International Relations: theory of international regime, regime dynamics in a post-agreement negotiation framework and theory of compliance and post-agreement bargaining, will best explain why Bangladesh ratified the WHO FCTC. The period limitation of this research starts from the year of 2003 when the FCTC was established until 2004 when Bangladesh ratified the FCTC. However, the process of FCTC formation in the 1990s would also be included. The finding of this research shows that there are three key factors behind Bangladesh ratification towards the WHO FCTC. Firstly, the principles and norms of the FCTC as international regime are in line with Bangladesh‟s principles and norms on tobacco control. Secondly, within the negotiation in domestic level, Bangladesh has less conflicting domestic components. Lastly, there is incentive received by Bangladesh by ratifying the WHO FCTC and being consistent in strengthening its national tobacco control.