Federico Fernandez
CEO, We Are Innovation

We Are Innovation is a network of individuals and organizations committed to progress through innovation. We published the “2024 Effective Anti-Smoking Policy Global Index”, which includes Bangladesh, to measure how countries harness the power of innovation to fight smoking and thereby take inspiration from their methods. “The index, covering 71 countries, highlights top performers like the UK, Sweden, Slovakia, and Ireland. At the bottom are Panama, Argentina, Norway, Mexico, Australia, India, and Thailand. Bangladesh ranks 42nd, indicating room for improvement. By adopting a smart regulation approach to Tobacco Harm Reduction, Bangladesh could make significant progress in defeating smoking.

Dr Rohan Sequeira
Cardiologist and Endocrinology Specialist
at The Revival Clinic

In my career experience, less than 1 percent of my patients can quit smoking, as addiction is hard to overcome due to brain chemistry. Identifying the problem is crucial, but it requires long-term effort. Banning Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) products often leads to black market growth, harming public health. Hence, open discussions about innovations in harm reduction are necessary for informed decisions. Smokers have a right to reduced risk alternatives; banning these is not the solution. Regulation and dialogue are essential for effective public health strategies.

Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos
Physician and Research Associate at the University of Patras and the University of West Attica

Many people, including professionals, are still unfamiliar with the concept of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR). This issue is often overlooked, despite its importance in daily life.
Tobacco harm reduction focuses on minimizing the adverse effects of smoking, making it an ally in public health rather than an enemy. Supporting harm reduction in smoking through vapour products and other cessation tools is essential as they can decrease the overall health impact of smoking.”

Professor Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh
President, Malaysian Society for Harm Reduction (MSHR)

Many people know about harm reduction, like using seat belts, but fewer understand Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) and its benefits. Products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches are less harmful because they do not burn tobacco. Several Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia are legalizing these products.
The WHO includes harm reduction in its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) but not THR, leaving many unaware of its benefits. United Kingdom and Japan has already adopted THR and enjoying its benefits. Regulations and Government policies promoting THR would greatly help public health.

Asif Ibrahim
Advisor, Policy Exchange Bangladesh

Several European countries are adopting Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) to reduce health risks. This requires action at the policy-making level to promote the use of reduced risk alternatives to smoking.  Effective policies and public awareness campaigns are needed to promote safer alternatives to smoking, backed by rigorous research and guidelines. This approach can significantly decrease tobacco-related harm. Countries like the UK, New Zealand, and Sweden have successfully reduced smoking rates by prioritizing scientific research. Bangladesh should consider these examples to improve public health, ensuring that health and other key ministries incorporate these strategies into their policies.

Dr. A. S. M. Amanullah
Professor, Department of Sociology, Dhaka University

In Bangladesh, harm reduction for drug addiction was not widely understood until 2002. Today, despite many challenges, harm reduction and drop-in centers have achieved significant success, enabling addicts to recover within three months. We may encounter similar challenges with Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR). To combat this, effective communication and proper research are crucial. To implement THR successfully in Bangladesh, we need to engage policymakers with accurate data and conduct sociological research to understand the best approach. A dialogue based on solid evidence is essential to pave the way for THR in our country.

Professor Dr. Lutful Hassan
Former Vice Chancellor (VC),
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU)

Breaking long-standing habits like smoking is challenging. Smoking cessation products can gradually help overcome addiction. Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) is crucial for Bangladesh and should be considered by policymakers. THR strategies offer adult smokers safer alternatives, reducing health risks and benefiting overall healthcare.

Professor Dr. A. B. M. Shahidul Islam, PhD
Chairman, Department of Marketing, Dhaka University

Raising awareness and ensuring age verification are crucial steps for effective Tobacco Harm Reduction strategies. It is important to encourage the cessation of traditional cigarettes and prevent misinformation from spreading. Establishing a responsible market system that supports harm reduction objectives and reduces overall smoking prevalence is essential. Involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process is key to achieving these goals.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Mizanul Haque Kazal
Secretary General, Bangladesh Agricultural Economists Association (BAEA)

Reduced risk alternatives like vapour products and nicotine patches, can support the Government in reducing the spend on the health care sector. This shift can help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by improving public health and reducing poverty. Additionally, encouraging the production and regulation of Tobacco Harm Reduction products may create new employment opportunities. Properly managed, tobacco harm reduction strategies can become a major source of foreign exchange through exports, transforming our economic landscape.

Professor Dr. Md. Sharfuddin Ahmed
Former Vice Chancellor (VC), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)

It is essential to discuss about the reduced risk alternative products. These products significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Using Tobacco Harm Reduction products can lower the risk of this exposure by 95 percent.

Professor (Brig. Gen.) Md. Aminul Islam (Retd)
Director Administration, Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS)

Traditional smoking cessation methods have lost efficacy, acknowledging that quitting overnight is improbable. Public health strategies demand evolution to meet current needs. Tobacco Harm Reduction introduces less detrimental options like e-cigarettes, circumventing exposure to toxins. However, regulations must strike a balance, incentivizing adult smokers to embrace these alternatives responsibly.

Maj. Dr. AKM Mahbubul Hoque (Retd.)
Director, US-Bangla Medical College Hospital

The Government faces the crucial task of curbing non-communicable diseases, ensuring healthcare accessibility, and cost-efficiency. Integrating Tobacco Harm Reduction products into mainstream public health policies is paramount. By prioritizing harm reduction, Governments can bolster public health while tackling tobacco-related ailments. Robust investment in research and evidence-based policymaking is also essential. With Government backing, integrating harm reduction strategies into the national health agenda promises improved well-being and a sustainable healthcare framework for all citizens.

Brigadier General (Dr.) A K M Nasir Uddin (Retd)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
Pro-Active Medical College & Hospital Ltd.

Amidst resource constraints, healthcare providers advocate for harm reduction as a pragmatic response. They propose reduced risk alternatives like vapour products and nicotine patches to help smokers reduce their exposure to harmful toxins. Supported by scientific evidence, these methods not only aid in smoking cessation but also offer a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes. Embracing Tobacco Harm Reduction could significantly mitigate health risks in Bangladesh. Thus, it is vital to engage policymakers in meaningful dialogue to prioritize this approach and foster a healthier society.

Abdul Mannan Shikder
Former Member, National Board of Revenue (NBR)

Expecting smokers to quit smoking abruptly is unrealistic. Many smokers desire to quit but struggle. A Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) policy should cater to both groups, offering less reduced risk alternatives to minimize addiction. Lowering smoking rates not only cuts medical expenses but also potentially boosts revenue. However, THR requires effective and sensible regulations. Addressing these factors can pave the way for a comprehensive strategy to tackle smoking addiction while promoting public health and fiscal sustainability.

Rashed Rabbi
President, Bangladesh Health
Reporters Forum (BHRF)

The concept of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) is unfamiliar to many, including policymakers. Conflicting voices from NGOs add to the confusion, with some opposing traditional cigarettes and others advocating against vapour products. It is imperative for policymakers to make informed decisions based on thorough research and accurate information.

Dr. AKM Zakir Hossain
Vice Chancellor, Kurigram Agricultural University (KAU) and Chairman, Agricultural & Food Products
Divisional Committee, BSTI

Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) is a fresh idea in Bangladesh. THR strategies require supportive policies, notably absent in our current Tobacco Control Act. Implementing a scientifically grounded awareness plan can lower disease rates and mortality. Moreover, it can stimulate industry growth, generating revenue for the Government. Achieving these goals necessitates dedicated policies and collaboration between stakeholders.

Schumann Zaman
Business Association Representative

Long-term smokers grasp the harm of their habit but struggle to quit. Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) offers hope for a better life. Reduced risk alternatives acts as a quitting tool for smokers making the switch to a relatively safer alternative than smoking. Hence, legalizing vapour and related products should be approached systematically.