Photo: Messenger
The government has taken a historic decision of imposing ban on the import of e-cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and all new tobacco products in Bangladesh under the sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950
We, the youth, express our gratitude to the Bangladesh Government and the Ministry of Health for such a decisive action in ensuring a healthier future for all of us. This decision marks a significant achievement in the fight to protect public health. It reflects the collective hard work, relentless advocacy, and unwavering commitment of young people across the nation.
The youth-led movements and campaigns have played significant role in reaching this milestone, and we commit to stand by the government in its efforts to tobacco control laws in making it FCTC compliant and stronger.
Bangladesh has been facing the burden of tobacco-related diseases, with over 35% of its population consuming some form of tobacco. In such situation, e-cigarettes posed a new threat, particularly to younger generation like us, attracted by aggressive marketing and flavored products. Studies from other countries have already highlighted alarming trends of nicotine addiction among teenagers, and without strict regulation, Bangladesh risked facing a similar epidemic.
The recent decision to ban e-cigarettes is a testament to the government’s commitment to protect public health. However, this is just the beginning. To ensure comprehensive tobacco control and address the existing gaps, we must urgently move forward with amendments to the "Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act." These amendments align with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), reinforcing Bangladesh's commitment to global public health standards.
To further strengthen tobacco control and build on the progress achieved, six critical amendments are proposed. First, a complete ban on smoking in all public places, workplaces, and public transport is essential to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke and create a healthier environment for all. Second, the prohibition of displaying tobacco products at points of sale will reduce the visibility of these harmful products and discourage impulse purchases.
Third, banning corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities of tobacco companies will prevent misleading influence over public policies and societal perceptions. Fourth, the prohibition of single-stick or retail sale of bidi-cigarettes and unwrapped tobacco products will make tobacco less accessible, particularly to teenagers and low-income groups, significantly reducing consumption. Fifth, a ban on the import and sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTP), while already in place, requires stronger implementation to ensure compliance and protect public health.
Finally, increasing the size of pictorial health warnings from 50% to 90% and enforcing stricter rules on packaging, including plain packaging, will raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and discourage initiation and continued usage.
Urgent and effective implementation of these measures will significantly reduce tobacco consumption and save the 442 lives lost daily to tobacco-related diseases in Bangladesh. We commend the government for the crucial step of banning e-cigarettes, which will protect future generations from nicotine addiction and save many lives.
While the fight against tobacco continues, our collective efforts today can drive meaningful progress. The ban on e-cigarettes should be just the first step toward a tobacco-free Bangladesh. As youth advocates, we view this as a promising start, but more action is needed to strengthen tobacco control. We thank the government for prioritizing public health and listening to the voices of its youth.
We have always been supportive of the government's decision to ban e-cigarettes, and as young advocates, we are taking the lead in strengthening tobacco control. We have been organizing awareness campaigns, engaging with policymakers, and advocating for a tobacco-free future. Our commitment includes conducting community programs to educate the public, especially youth, about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
Through social media, we amplify our message, calling for stricter regulations and raising awareness. Moreover, we collaborate with civil society organizations, health professionals, and the government to ensure the effective implementation of tobacco control laws.
Now is the time for action! We urge the government to focus on the remaining proposed amendments for the speedy passage of the tobacco control law. The immediate implementation of critical measures such as banning single-stick sales, increasing health warnings to 90%, making public places smoke-free, and regulating tobacco product displays must be prioritized.
We call for the swift passage and robust enforcement of these amendments to protect public health, especially our youth. Let’s turn these plans into action today, to make a tobacco-free Bangladesh.
Messenger/Tareq
