Bangladesh Vape Ban Proposal Faces ‘Foreign Influence’ Claims

The Bangladesh Ministry of Health is advancing a new bill to completely ban all safer nicotine products (SNPs), including vaping devices and oral alternatives. The move has drawn sharp criticism from regional public health advocates, who allege the policy is being driven by foreign-funded organizations and pushed through without public consultation under an interim government.

According to the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), the Ministry is misusing a WHO article to justify excluding stakeholders from the policymaking process. CAPHRA claims the proposal is heavily influenced by foreign entities like Bloomberg Philanthropies and its grantee, the U.S.-based Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), which have funded anti-nicotine campaigns globally.

Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA, condemned the approach as “policy outsourcing,” warning that Bangladesh risks letting foreign NGOs override its institutions. She noted similar foreign-backed proposals were recently rejected in Pakistan and the Philippines in favor of evidence-based harm reduction.

Critics argue a ban could backfire, pointing to countries like India and Australia where such prohibitions have fueled black markets with unregulated products. With one of the world’s highest rates of tobacco-related illness, they contend Bangladesh would benefit more from a regulated harm reduction strategy than a ban denying smokers access to proven quitting tools.

• News source: Bangladesh Proposes to Ban Safer Nicotine Products Under Foreign Influence, Ignoring Public Health Evidence and Regional Precedents

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Matthew Ma

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With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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