Staff Reporter : Research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA) have welcomed the government directive to prohibit the production of e-cigarettes/electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and not to approve any factories for manufacturing such products. Both organizations have expressed their sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for its leadership in this regard.
The directive, issued by the Chief Advisor’s Office, underscores that the decision was made in the interest of protecting public health and safeguarding future generations. In a statement responding to the initiative, ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA, remarked, “This is a landmark decision for public health in Bangladesh. It will play a critical role in preventing nicotine addiction, particularly among the youth.”
E-cigarettes and similar nicotine products have seen a rapid rise in popularity among young people, creating a significant public health threat. The nicotine and other chemicals contained in these products are highly harmful and have been linked to increased health risks in numerous countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also recommended that governments either ban or impose strict regulations on e-cigarettes.
To combat youth vaping addiction and protect public health, 42 countries—including Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and Singapore—have already imposed bans on such products.
PROGGA and ATMA urge the Government to expedite the amendment of the existing tobacco control law in order to introduce a comprehensive ban on the production, importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, heated tobacco products, and similar items.