The Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Traders Association (BENDSTA) organized a human chain today (Wednesday) at Shahbagh in the capital in support of reviewing the government’s Tobacco Control Ordinance, a press release said.
Speaking at the event, BENDSTA leaders stated that approximately 850,000 to 1 million adults in Bangladesh currently use e-cigarettes or vaping products, most of whom have adopted these alternatives to reduce the harms of smoking or to quit altogether. However, due to existing restrictions, the market is increasingly shifting toward the illicit market, where unregulated and potentially unsafe products are proliferating. This trend is adversely affecting legitimate businesses, consumers, and government revenue alike.
BENDSTA emphasized that it has consistently adhered to regulations by strictly preventing sales to individuals under the age of 18 and ensuring that products are supplied only to adult smokers. However, the association expressed concern that policymaking in this area has, in some cases, been influenced by one-sided information. It further noted that restrictive measures may unintentionally contribute to the increased availability of unregulated products among youth through informal channels.
The organization highlighted that it represents over 200 businesses and more than 600 chain stores, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 12,000 people. Under the current circumstances, both business continuity and future investment in the sector are facing uncertainty.
Referring to global practices, BENDSTA noted that most countries have opted to regulate Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) rather than impose outright bans. Recent public health guidance in the United Kingdom identifies smoking as a dependency and recognizes e-cigarettes as an effective aid for smoking cessation. Various international studies have also indicated that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can be more effective than conventional nicotine replacement therapies in helping individuals quit smoking.
The association further stated that within the ENDS sector, product variations in devices, pods, e-liquids, nicotine strengths, ingredients, and brands require consumers to make informed, comparative decisions. In this context, point-of-sale product display serves not merely as a marketing tool, but as an essential consumer guidance mechanism that helps adult users make informed choices. Given that these products are distributed through specialized retail channels, restrictions on in-store display could negatively impact both business operations and the overall market structure.
The human chain was attended by BENDSTA members, business representatives, and stakeholders from the relevant sector. The association expressed its support for a balanced and timely policy framework in the review of the Tobacco Control Ordinance one that considers international experience, scientific evidence, and the socio-economic realities of Bangladesh.
