Public Health on Top

Very recently, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Harm Reduction Group have jointly organized an awareness-building learning session on tobacco harm reduction. The session, attended by top BIDA officials, was hosted by Mr. Delon Human, President of Health Diplomats, and with a long career history of serving interests of British American Tobacco (BAT). On 15-17 April, a delegation led by Mr. Human, had strategic meetings with top officials of the Ministry of Industries, Finance, Labor and Employment, Home Affairs, Planning, BIDA and National Board of Revenue (NBR) on the issue of harm reduction in tobacco use, possible solution and alternative to traditional tobacco products. During a 'Meet the Press' event that took place on 17 April, Mr. Human urged the policymakers to incorporate alternatives to traditional tobacco products into its public health policy. In addition, with support from Bangladesh Harm Reduction Foundation (BHRF), the delegation also organized a workshop on 'public health advocacy' which was also attended by physicians. educators, researchers, social workers and other professionals. It should be noted that, BHRF officially started its journey in Bangladesh with involvement from Mr. Delon Human, and support from Global Harm Reduction Alliance. The sole purpose of the organization is to eliminate the proposal regarding a ban on e-cigarettes and vaping from the draft amendment of the tobacco control law and ensure large-scale promotion and consumption of these products in Bangladesh. The government should not allow itself to get derailed by the consistent disinformation campaign of the tobacco industry, prioritize public health, and proceed with the proposed ban on e-cigarettes and vaping by finalizing the draft amendment.