Death Marketing-1

Philip Morris Setting Up Nicotine Pouch Factory: New Trap for Addiction

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has granted permission for Philip Morris International (PMI) to set up a nicotine pouch production facility for the local market, which is in direct conflict with the government's policy and directive. While some consider nicotine pouches as 'less harmful', one must note that a number of global public health entities, including World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have issued warning that these products pose significant threat to public health, much like any other traditional smokeless tobacco products. However, nicotine pouches and other emerging tobacco products are gaining popularity among the youth, which is a growing challenge for public health. A number of 34 countries, including Belgium, France, Russia, Uzbekistan have either banned nicotine pouches or imposed considerable restrictions in its production, marketing and usage. Anti-tobacco activists have urged that the government revoke BEZA's permission at the earliest.