Read articles from Bangladesh

March 25, 2025 by tbsnews.net

The government plans to increase prices of luxury cigarettes to reduce consumption, combating the rise in sales following a tax hike on lower-tier cigarettes. Revenue from cigarettes has surged in February. Suggestions to combat tobacco use and smuggling were discussed at a recent meeting. The proposal to amend tobacco laws was supported, but discussions involving tobacco companies were debated due to WHO guidelines. The ban on e-cigarettes has not curbed their availability, with proposals to regulate their use to prevent revenue loss. Philip Morris applied to produce e-cigarettes in Bangladesh.

January 22, 2025 by asianews.network

The ACC plans to request the removal of Saima Wazed Putul from her role as WHO Southeast Asia Region director due to alleged corruption and criminal activities, including fabricated credentials, illegal acquisitions, and financial misconduct. The letter sent through government channels accuses Putul of misusing state resources, extorting funds, and harming Bangladesh's reputation. The ACC filed a case against her and highlighted misappropriation of public funds. ACC's director general emphasized ongoing independent investigations. Putul's continued position at WHO is deemed inappropriate given the corruption allegations.

January 21, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Bangladesh has enforced a ban on vapes and nicotine pouch imports to prioritize public health, despite protests from vape trade groups. British American Tobacco plans to expand production in the country, aiming to meet growing cigarette demand. The ban has sparked concerns about depriving adult smokers of safer options and its economic impact. Notably, harm reduction strategies involving low-risk tobacco products have proven successful in reducing smoking rates in other countries like Sweden and New Zealand. The ban aligns with the government's efforts to combat high tobacco consumption rates, particularly among men in Bangladesh.

December 17, 2024 by tbsnews.net

The government has banned the import of e-cigarettes and ENDS products to protect public health due to concerns about their increasing use, particularly among young people. The decision was made by the Council of Advisers in Dhaka to address potential health risks and ensure public safety. Officials highlight the harmful effects of these products, emphasizing the necessity for stricter regulations.

December 17, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Bangladesh is set to prohibit the import of e-cigarettes and related items to safeguard public health and protect future generations. The decision, following a proposal by the health services division, will include e-cigarettes in the list of banned products in the import policy order of the ministry of commerce, as reported by bdnews24.

October 25, 2024 by tbsnews.net

A new ordinance in Bangladesh aims to ban e-cigarettes, vapes, loose cigarettes, bidis, and chewing tobacco. Shopkeepers need licenses to sell tobacco products, with fines up to Tk50,000 for violations. Smoking is prohibited within 100 meters of certain areas. The draft law also includes stricter regulations on tobacco advertising and use in public spaces. Anti-tobacco organizations support the law to decrease tobacco-related deaths, but tobacco companies oppose it, calling some clauses unrealistic. Penalties for violations include fines and imprisonment, with stricter rules on tobacco product packaging and sale locations. The draft ordinance aims to improve public health by controlling tobacco and tobacco products effectively.

October 24, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

A draft ordinance in Bangladesh proposes licensing for shops selling nicotine products, imposing fines up to Tk50,000 and prohibiting sales near certain places. Another fine of Tk5,000 targets vape and loose cigarette sellers, with smoking in public fines potentially increasing to Tk1,000. The ordinance, aiming to control smoking and tobacco use, includes restrictions on product ingredients and seller types. Offenders may face fines and imprisonment, with penalties escalating for repeated violations. Originally enacted in 2005, the law is undergoing revisions to bolster tobacco regulations, with a new draft being presented to the Advisory Council for approval.

August 15, 2024 by businesspostbd.com

Dr. Altamash Mahmood co-authored the 'Lives Saved' report on Tobacco Harm Reduction in Bangladesh, estimating over 900,000 lives saved in the country and 2.5 million across four nations. The study emphasizes integrating THR strategies into tobacco control for significant benefits. Challenges in Bangladesh include regulation, misinformation, and industry conflicts. Learning from global examples is crucial for effective implementation. India's e-cigarette ban resulted in an illegal market, showing the importance of stakeholder engagement in policy-making. Engaging experts and communities is vital for culturally appropriate and practical policies to save lives from tobacco-related illnesses.

July 05, 2024 by observerbd.com

Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) is crucial for aiding smokers in countries with limited cessation resources like Bangladesh. Misconceptions about nicotine and harm reduction hinder progress. Scientific evidence supports THR's effectiveness and lower risk compared to smoking. Harsh regulations, as seen in India, lead to black markets and public health risks. Integrating THR into national strategies involves education, regulatory balance, and prioritizing scientific evidence. Countries like the UK and Sweden show success with THR. Embracing THR can reduce smoking-related harm and assist smokers in quitting, emphasizing the difference between nicotine and combustion-related harms.

November 28, 2023 by tbsnews.net

The 'Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023' highlighted Bangladesh's scoring of 72, the poorest among its South Asian counterparts, emphasising the substantial industry influence, notably hindering the amendment process of tobacco control laws in the country. [...] experts expressed concerns over the industry's pervasive influence. They highlighted the paramount issue of the stalled amendment to the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act 2013, impeding the nation's strides toward tobacco control.