22 organizations demand ban on e-cigarette in Bangladesh

The organizations argued that the activities of tobacco companies in the production and expansion of e-cigarettes in the country may cause a serious threat to public health. They raised the demand through a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) in the capital on Saturday (November 25, 2023). 

The nine-point recommendation was placed at the press conference to stop e-cigarettes in Bangladesh. The recommendations are-

(1) Necessary measures should be taken as soon as possible to stop the import, export, production, sale, marketing, advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes in Bangladesh. 

(2) Prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in dramas, movies and web series. 

(3) Prohibiting direct and indirect advertising of e-cigarettes, including online business sites. 

(4) Prohibiting the import and export of e-cigarette products in the import policy of the Ministry of Commerce. 

(5) Withdrawal of HR code product list of all such products including e-cigarettes, its devices, e-liquids, refills by the Finance Division and the National Board of Revenue (NBR ).

(6) Not to allow e-cigarettes, vape or any other new addictive or tobacco-like or nicotine-containing products in Bangladesh, as directed by the Supreme Court.

(7) Investigating the secret activities of cigarette companies, institutions, and individuals involved in the promotion of e-cigarettes and taking strict action against the companies. 

(8) Cancellation of any trademark or registration of e-cigarette or vaping products. 

(9) Making Bangladesh free of e-cigarettes by rapidly passing the proposed amendment draft of the tobacco control law.