Public Health on Top

The government of Bangladesh has taken the initiative to amend the tobacco control law of the country with a view to banning the production, marketing and import of e-cigarettes and vaping products. Very recently, the Ministry of Commerce, through a notification, has already banned the import of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products into the country which is undoubtedly a laudable move. However, British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) and a number of other tobacco companies have been conducting an all-out PR campaign to convince policymakers to eliminate the proposed ban on e-cigarettes and vaping products from the draft amendment. On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day and so-called World Vape Day, this unholy alliance of tobacco companies has promoted vaping products as 'safe alternatives' to cigarettes in several national dailies. An English Daily has also published an interview of Mr. Delon Human, President of Health Diplomat, whose career has been marked with controversy due to his numerous collaboration with British American Tobacco (BAT) on tobacco harm reduction programs. In this interview, Mr. Human dubbed the government's decision to ban import of ENDS as 'ineffective' and urged policymakers to incorporate such products in public health policies and promote them as 'safe alternatives' to traditional smoking.

We must keep in mind that the priority of public health is above all. The government should not allow itself to get derailed by the disinformation campaign of tobacco companies and must proceed with rapid finalization of the draft amendment of the tobacco control law which includes the proposed ban on e-cigarettes and vaping products. The ongoing Dublin Conference has created opportunities for rational discussion on issues such as banning ENDS and other crucial aspects of tobacco control. It goes without saying that the Bangladeshi delegation will be enriched from such discussions and exchange of views, which, in turn, will expedite the finalization process of the amendment.