Dhaka, Oct. 3 -- A proposed export-oriented joint venture in tobacco sector has put Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) in wavering over investment permission because of restrictions from the top court and health ministry.

Officials say the issue came to the spotlight after a proposal was placed to the authority for setting up an export-oriented tobacco company under joint investment from Bangladesh and Turkey.

The Supreme Court's Appellate Division has also issued a directive against licensing new tobacco companies or a company having relations with tobacco products.

Moreover, the Health and Family Welfare adviser of the current interim government in a recent letter asked the BIDA not to register any company in the 'Man...