The government decided to amend the law to introduce warnings on tobacco product packages but made it clear that display of the skull and cross-bone sign would be optional.

The Cabinet on Friday agreed to amend the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 based on recommendations of a group of ministers. Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi said that "some kind of warning will be there (on the packages)," adding that the amendment would enable the government to make the depiction of skull and cross-bones in packaging of all tobacco products as optional.
A controversy arose over the issue of displaying skull and cross-bone warning on tobacco products as it was felt by a section that it would hurt the religious sentiments of certain communities. Noting that ‘appropriate warnings’ would be displayed on tobacco packages without affecting social or religious sentiments, Dasmunsi said the government would launch a vigorous campaign against smoking including anti-smoking advertisements in all theatres across the country starting in October.