The government of Bangladesh has enacted a ban on the production of e-cigarettes and related vaping products in a decisive move to protect public health, particularly the nation's youth, from the harms of nicotine. The decision has been strongly applauded by the country's National Heart Foundation.
Dr. Khondaker Abdul Awal Rizvi, President of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, praised the government's action, calling it a "visionary and courageous move for the nation." He stated, "By banning production, the government has not only halted a harmful industry but also protected our future generations."
The ban comes as Bangladesh grapples with high rates of tobacco use, with 35.3% of the population using tobacco products and over 161,000 people dying annually from tobacco-related illnesses. Health advocates warn that the vapor from e-cigarettes can contain cancer-causing elements and that nicotine poses significant risks to cardiovascular and respiratory health. The ban also addresses environmental concerns, as disposable vapes contribute to electronic waste and can leach chemicals into the soil. This legislative action aims to curb a harmful industry at its source, preventing these products from reaching the market and safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
