Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Traders Association (BENDSTA) has expressed its appreciation to the interim government for reconsidering the proposed ban on e-cigarettes.
The organisation, representing a sector that directly and indirectly supports over 10,000 livelihoods, commended the government’s pragmatic approach and called for further dialogue to ensure balanced, evidence-based regulations under the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005 (amended in 2013).
Speaking at a press conference on 22 October 2024, BENDSTA underscored the potential ramifications of an outright ban, including the proliferation of unregulated markets, a surge in illegal trade, significant job losses, and a reduction in government revenue.
Such outcomes, they warned, could jeopardise both public health objectives and the country's economic stability.
The government has since taken steps to address these concerns. During an Advisory Council meeting on 7 November, the Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor Shafiqul Alam, announced the formation of a "high-powered advisory committee" to reevaluate the proposed amendments, particularly considering the implications for state revenue.
BENDSTA welcomed this development, expressing hope that the move would facilitate participatory and pragmatic policymaking.
The association also emphasised the importance of including stakeholders in the advisory committee.
“Our involvement could be instrumental in achieving public health objectives while ensuring economic stability,” a BENDSTA representative noted.
The organisation has positioned itself as a key advocate for harm reduction in public health, urging the government to prioritise scientific evidence over misinformation in its legislative considerations.
BENDSTA further highlighted the importance of consulting industry representatives to craft regulations that balance public health objectives with economic and social realities. They believe their expertise could contribute significantly to shaping laws that protect livelihoods while reducing harm.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to harm reduction and called on the government to adopt a collaborative approach.
"We urge the government to engage traders like us, whose livelihoods depend on this industry, in meaningful dialogues to ensure that the amendments are sensible, inclusive, and practical," the statement concluded.
As the government deliberates on revising the tobacco control laws, the vaping industry hopes for a framework that safeguards both public health and the economic interests of those reliant on this emerging sector.
