BACKGROUND: E-cigarette was introduced in Bangladesh just years after it was introduced in global market in 2006. The tobacco industry (TI) applies various tactics to rapidly expand its market. As a result, although the rate of smokers is declining in proportion to the population, the use of e-cigarettes has increased in the last couple of years. The objective of the study is to reveal unknown information about the presence of e-cigarettes, and to find out the tactics, plans and activities of leading TI’s about expansion of the e-cigarette market. The desired outcome of the study is to reveal TI’s tactics which may draw attention of the policymakers.
METHODS: Various publications and documents reviewed, while data collected from the fields, point of sales, e-cigarette users and experts. Visits paid to various vaping shops in Dhaka to get a general picture of e-cigarette sale. Tobacco-related laws and regulations were analyzed.
RESULTS: The study found online sites that spread e-cigarette among youths. Most students first heard about e-cigarettes from ads on social media. Previously, most e-cigarette shops were found in wealthy areas of Dhaka. Now, e-cigarette shops are found everywhere in Bangladesh. TI’s have built countrywide organized networks to expand e-cigarettes. They try to convince policymakers and others by presenting its narrative that ‘e-cigarettes, vaping and heated tobacco products as safer alternatives’. The legal weakness, especially the absence of e-cigarettes directly in the law, is identified and TI’s taking advantage of it.
CONCLUSIONS: The government already bans the import of e-cigarettes, but it is not enough to control this product by allowing production, usage, and marketing. If TI’s continue in e-cigarette expansion, Bangladesh may potentially face health and economic losses amid a huge increase of vapers. So, fully ban on e-cigarette should be brought in tobacco control law by amending it.