The Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Traders Association (BENDSTA) has urged the implementation of sensible regulations for electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and other tobacco harm reduction products.

The BENDSTA made the call at a press conference held at Kawran Bazar, Dhaka on Tuesday.

During the press conference, BENDSTA voiced concerns over the proposed amendments to the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005 (Amended in 2013). The draft proposal, published for public opinion, includes a provision to completely ban products like e-cigarettes, which the organisation claims could be harmful to public health and the relevant industry.

The draft proposal, which was sent out for public opinion in 2022, was sent back to the Cabinet last year (2023) due to a lack of stakeholder input and the need for further review.

Representing major vape importers in Bangladesh, BENDSTA criticized the rushed policy-making process and underscored the critical need for stakeholder dialogue to ensure regulations align with the government's public health objectives and revenue goals.

BENDSTA’s president, Schumann Zaman, stated, "We fully support the government’s efforts to control smoking and the harmful effects of tobacco. However, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding vaping. E-cigarettes and vapes should not be placed in the same category as traditional cigarettes. These products do not contain tar, the most harmful substance created by combustion in cigarettes, making them significantly less harmful."

The press conference also featured remarks from BENDSTA General Secretary Rezwan Ahmed, who echoed the need for dialogue and informed decision-making in shaping the future of vaping in Bangladesh.

In closing, BENDSTA reiterated its call for the government to include the association in stakeholder discussions regarding the regulation of vaping products. "We urge the Interim Government to engage with us in an evidence-based dialogue to craft policies that align with Bangladesh’s public health agenda while promoting harm reduction."