The BNP administration has made modifications to two laws that may potentially boost the production and consumption of tobacco products, despite their commitment to tobacco control in their electoral manifesto, according to anti-tobacco advocates.
The ban on e-cigarettes was lifted, and the restriction on growing tobacco on triple-crop or other productive agricultural lands was also removed.
These legal alterations directly contradict the promises outlined in the BNP’s election agenda, as stated by Hossain Zillur Rahman, a former adviser to a caretaker government.
Rahman expressed concerns, stating, “The party has vowed to safeguard the youth and enhance tobacco control. However, weakening tobacco control regulations will primarily impact young individuals, especially new smokers.”
In contrast, Ziauddin Hyder, an adviser to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, believes that these actions are not at odds with their manifesto objectives.
Hyder stated, “BNP is dedicated to managing or preventing the misuse of tobacco products,” emphasizing the party’s commitment to enforcing the BNP manifesto.
Following demands from anti-tobacco advocates, the interim government imposed a ban on e-cigarette imports in January of last year to safeguard public health.
Later, on December 23, an ordinance was endorsed that broadened the definition of tobacco products in the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, introducing new provisions for their regulation.
Under section 6 (Ga) of the ordinance, individuals are prohibited from engaging in various activities related to e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, or emerging tobacco products, with penalties including imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of up to Tk 2 lakh.
Furthermore, a fine of up to Tk 5,000 may be imposed on anyone found using these products.
An e-cigarette is an electronic device that vaporizes a liquid, usually containing nicotine, for inhalation, known as ‘vaping.’
Despite recommendations from a parliamentary committee, the health ministry removed provisions from the ordinance before presenting it to parliament, triggering calls from anti-tobacco organizations to reconsider the decision.
Global health bodies like WHO and UNICEF expressed concerns over potential health risks associated with e-cigarettes and urged the government to maintain the ban on their import, production, and distribution.
Notably, the parliament passed the act lifting the ban on e-cigarettes, as a gazette was issued on April 10.
Moreover, the provision restricting tobacco cultivation on high-yield agricultural land was eliminated when the amended act was approved earlier this month.
The BNP’s electoral manifesto included commitments to address tobacco-related non-communicable diseases and enforce necessary measures to regulate tobacco use to safeguard public health.
Expressing disappointment with the recent legal changes, Hossain Zillur Rahman emphasized the importance of implementing strict measures to control tobacco use.
He further added that these changes could still be reversed, highlighting the negative impact of tobacco on public health, especially among the youth.
Ziauddin Hyder defended the decisions, stating that the lifting of restrictions on e-cigarettes was primarily for research purposes and not for mass marketing. He emphasized the need for campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles and awareness of tobacco’s harmful effects to drive behavioral change.
