Bangladesh bans vapes – and cigarette production increases
January 21, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu
Bangladesh bans vapes – and cigarette production increases
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.
16.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 20.4 million current smokers in Bangladesh 34.10% of men are current smokers but only 0.40% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR