BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: Among 180 million Bangladeshi population, about 60% them between 5 to 39 years old. Tobacco Industries (TI) see them as potential customers of their e-cigarettes and are running aggressive marketing and promotion focusing them on e-cigarettes as ‘less harmful’ and ‘helpful to quit smoking’. Promote e-cigarettes through popular stars in dramas, movies and on social media. As a result, e-cigarette sale centers increased a lot, and the use of e-cigarettes has become a fashionable trend. Since e-cigarettes are not controlled by the existing Tobacco Control Act, these products are selling without any control.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: MANAS has been at the forefront of the advocacy to sensitize policy makers on banning e-cigarette in Bangladesh. MANAS met Health Advisor, Secretary emphasized the dangers of e-cigarettes and submitted policy briefs, sent several letters on banning e-cigarettes. On 9^th October 2024, MoHFW issued a recommendation letter to the Ministry of Commerce requested to ban e-cigarette import as results of MANAS activity. Also, MoHFW called a meeting and formed an expert committee consultation with MANAS President. As a member of the expert committee, MANAS President provided critical insights throughout this process. In addition MANAS has conducted seminars, published articles in leading national newspapers, and led extensive social media campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of e-cigarettes and for the drive the policy progress.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: Recently, the Ministry of Commerce banned import of e-cigarettes (electronic nicotine delivery systems) from the list of prohibited products under its import policy order. This step is a vital move to protect public health and shield the next generation from the deceptive traps of the tobacco industry.
CONCLUSIONS: It is the timely steps of the government for banning the import of e-cigarettes, prioritizing public health. This order will be supportive to fully ban e-cigarettes in Bangladesh including its production, marketing, selling, use, and disposals.