Under the pretext of increasing revenue, the government has opened up the production, marketing, and supply of e-cigarettes and vapes, which pose a serious threat to public health. By turning the Tobacco Control Amendment Ordinance passed during the previous interim government into law, while removing the provision that banned e-cigarettes, the government has taken a step backward in Bangladesh’s tobacco control efforts. During the lawmaking process, the clause prohibiting e-cigarettes was quietly removed, putting public health at risk and exposing the younger generation to serious harm.

On April 10, the National Parliament of Bangladesh passed the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2026, where the provision to ban all emerging tobacco products—including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches—was repealed, even though these products had previously been prohibited in the country. As a result, these items will effectively be opened to the market without proper regulation, creating a major public health risk, especially for young people.

Moreover, in Civil Appeal Nos. 204–205/2001, the Honorable Appellate Division, in its judgment dated March 1, 2016, directed the government to take steps to reduce tobacco use within a reasonable timeframe. Legalizing e-cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine pouches goes against that directive.

In 2005, under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, the government enacted the Tobacco Control Act, setting a landmark example and placing Bangladesh in a leading position in tobacco control in South Asia. However, the current decision to remove the ban on e-cigarettes is not only a reversal of that progress, but also risks pushing future generations toward disease and premature death. It also contradicts commitments to public health protection and the government’s electoral promises.

In line with the commitment made in 2005 to protect public health, we strongly urge the Honorable Prime Minister to take immediate steps to enact effective legislation banning all emerging tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. We also demand the cancellation of the approval granted to Philip Morris for establishing a nicotine pouch manufacturing facility.

https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/lifting-e-cigarette-ban-raises-public-health-concerns/183446?utm_source=chatgpt.com