Public Health on Top

Throughout 2023, British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) and Philip Morris International (PMI) were seen in a very active role to thwart the ongoing amendment process of tobacco control law. Foundation for a Smoke-free World (FSFW), a PMI-funded organization, has continued its efforts to eliminate the proposal to ban e-cigarette and vaping products from the draft amendment through supporting activities such as research, summit, roundtable meeting and special supplement publication. Eyeing at the same end, Voice of Vapers Bangladesh, official partner of BATB-funded World Vapers Alliance, has also been running petition sign events, media and Facebook campaigns. Tobacco Harm Reduction Dot Net has released a report urging the government to adopt vape-friendly policy. It must be noted that Delon Human, the founder of the page has extensive involvement with British American Tobacco (BAT) and the lead author of the research report, Derek Yach has long been working in the PMI-funded FSFW.

In the coming days, the interference from tobacco companies is likely to intensify. We hope, the government will not allow itself to get misled by tobacco companies and prioritize public health above all by finalizing the draft amendment with all proposals including the ban on e-cigarettes and vaping products.