Why Bangladesh Should Maintain the Ban on e-Cigarettes: A Commentary

Bangladesh has made significant progress in tobacco control; however, the emergence of electronic cigarettes (widely known as e-cigarettes) poses a new regulatory and public health challenge. This commentary examines the implications of a potential reversal of the recent e-cigarette ban.

A narrative policy analysis was conducted, drawing on national data, global evidence, and regulatory frameworks to assess the public health and system-level implications of legalising e-cigarettes in Bangladesh.

Available evidence suggests that e-cigarette use is increasingly concentrated among young people in Bangladesh, driven by product appeal, social media influence, and perceptions of reduced harm. Bangladesh's current regulatory and enforcement capacity is insufficient to effectively regulate a legal e-cigarette market and is vulnerable to industry interference. Consequently, lifting the existing ban could increase youth nicotine exposure and create additional regulatory challenges, including the coexistence of legal and illicit markets.

Lifting the e-cigarette ban in Bangladesh would be premature and potentially harmful. Policy efforts should prioritise strengthening enforcement of the current ban, enhancing regulatory capacity, and expanding youth-focused prevention strategies.