Public Health on Top

Tobacco companies have become desperate to make sure that the proposed ban on the import, manufacturing, and marketing of e-cigarettes and vaping gets eliminated in the final draft. Articles after articles, penned by pro-vaping loyalists and based on lies, are surfacing in print and online media outlets. In its bid to protect the future vaping market in Bangladesh, the industry is also trying to stain the credibility of international NGOs that stand in support of the proposed amendment.

Very recently, the International Trade Association has sent a letter addressed to the Honorable Chief Advisor and The Finance Advisor which urged the government not to proceed with the proposed ban on electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). The organization has also urged the government to consult with ENDS traders and other stakeholders with vested business interest in these products. In an open letter, another organization, namely We Are Innovation, run by Global Advocacy Group, has also urged the government to adopt a science-based tobacco control policy. The letter suggested that Bangladesh consider vaping, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and other innovative tobacco products as alternatives to traditional tobacco products. It should be noted that We Are Innovation is closely associated with Philip Morris International (PMI) funded Global Action to End Smoking (GAES).

Against such turmoil, we must keep in mind that all the proposals included in the draft amendment are time-fitting, based on global best practices and essential for protecting public health. The government should not allow itself to get carried away by tobacco industry propaganda and finalize the draft amendment as soon as possible