As the Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, I recently addressed an urgent letter to the Ministry of Health in Bangladesh regarding their proposed Tobacco Control Act. This act, which includes a full ban on vaping and nicotine pouches, could have severe implications for public health in the country. Here’s why this proposal is concerning and what Bangladesh should consider instead.

The Dangers of a Blanket Ban

The proposed ban on vaping and nicotine pouches in Bangladesh is a step in the wrong direction for several reasons:

1. Harm Reduction Setback: Vaping and nicotine pouches are proven to be significantly less harmful than traditional smoking. A complete ban would force current users back to more harmful tobacco products or drive them to the black market.
2. Hindered Smoking Cessation: Thousands of smokers would lose access to effective smoking cessation tools, trapping them in the cycle of tobacco use.
3. Lack of Stakeholder Input: The Ministry of Health’s previous proposal in 2023 was already criticised due to insufficient stakeholder consultation, highlighting the need for diverse perspectives in this critical public health issue.

Learning from Global Examples

Countries that have adopted open approaches to harm reduction have seen remarkable success: Sweden and New Zealand have achieved near smoke-free status with record-low smoking rates, serving as prime examples of effective tobacco harm reduction strategies.

On the flip side, countries with strict bans have faced severe consequences: Australia, with its de facto ban on vaping, has experienced a surge in black market activity and even “tobacco wars,” including 200 fire-bombings between rival gangs.

Instead of a blanket ban, Bangladesh should consider:

1. Evidence-Based Approach: Align tobacco control policies with successful models like those in Sweden and New Zealand.
2. Harm Reduction Focus: Embrace vaping and nicotine pouches as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat smoking-related health issues.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Ensure that public health experts, harm reduction advocates, and other relevant stakeholders are consulted in the policy-making process.

Extensive scientific literature confirms that vaping and nicotine pouches have a significantly lower harm profile compared to cigarettes and that these alternatives are effective tools for smoking cessation.

Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. By embracing harm reduction strategies and learning from global successes, the country has a unique opportunity to lead in tobacco harm reduction and potentially save countless lives. As we await the Ministry’s response, it’s crucial that policymakers consider the broader implications of their decisions. The future of public health in Bangladesh may well depend on it.