Dr. Md Asadul Islam :
In Bangladesh, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), commonly known as vaping, has increased incrementally. A vape is a device that mimics the effects of tobacco smoking. It comprises an atomiser, a battery or any other power source, and a container – a cartridge or tank. The user breathes vapour rather than smoke.
This is also called an e-cigarette. Credible research findings on vaping indicate the presence of a hazardous chemical composition in the vaping liquid, which heightens various health risks. Studies conducted in various countries such as Taiwan, the UK, the US, and Canada reveal that young individuals who have never smoked but have experimented with vapes have at least doubled their likelihood of smoking cigarettes later in life.
Despite their harmful impact on the user’s body, the use of e-cigarettes has been increasing. For instance, Statista (2024) projects that Bangladesh’s e-cigarette market will generate US$99.4 million in revenue in 2024.
According to Statista (2024), the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.99 per cent from 2024 to 2029. On a global scale, the United States leads in generating the largest revenue in this particular sector, amounting to US$8,827 million in 2024 (Statista, 2024). Bangladesh is projected to generate a per capita revenue of US$0.68 in 2024 (Statista, 2024).
The e-cigarette market in Bangladesh is experiencing a gradual expansion due to an increasing number of smokers looking for alternate smoking choices. This expansion has already posed a significant threat to public health, particularly that of youth and adolescents, and could intensify further if the rise persists.
This trend contradicts Bangladesh’s goal of becoming smoke-free by 2040. Hence, the previous government planned to ban e-cigarettes; nevertheless, its fall in August 2024 should not halt the plan but accelerate the prospect of banning this harmful product as soon as possible. Based on the spirit of youth, the current interim government has taken numerous immediate measures to restore stability to the nation.
The country has also implemented several measures to establish sustainable societies in both rural and urban areas, promoting healthy lifestyles and positive habits among our youth.
However, the continuous rise of e-cigarettes poses a huge threat to the sound health of youngsters in the country. Therefore, a swift ordinance banning e-cigarettes would not only enhance its reputation among the general public but also among the youth, who aspire to improve the country’s equality and sustainability.
Some people may argue that laws banning or prohibiting vaping or e-cigarettes would not work, but strict implementation laws can overthrow this claim. In Singapore, for instance, the law strictly prohibits vaping, making it illegal. In this country, even the act of purchasing, using, or possessing an electronic vaporiser or vape carries a fine of up to $2,000 per offense.
As a result, there are almost no instances of vaporiser usage in Singapore. Using Singapore as an example, we can justify Bangladesh’s ban on this harmful product. In this regard, the creation of a law and its strict implementation are the ultimate ways to reduce the use of this dangerous product among our younger generation, which is the backbone of the nation’s progress.
Along with the legal actions, our civil society and the actors and actresses should come forward to create mass awareness about the harmful effects of e-cigarettes or vaping. Moreover, our cricket and football players could play a crucial role in raising awareness among young people, who often emulate the lifestyles of their idols. Furthermore, educational institutions, particularly high schools, colleges, and universities, should highlight the negative effects of e-cigarettes and vaping on the user’s and others’ bodies.
Teachers and alumni groups can also play a vital role in creating mass awareness among our youth. Additionally, religious figures could play a crucial role in reducing the use of harmful products among our people, especially youths, if they highlight the relevant aspects of harmful habits, such as smoking and drug use.
We aim to be a developed country with a sustainable society. Unfortunately, the incremental growth of vaporisers among young people has been one of the key threats to achieving this ultimate goal. The existence of e-cigarettes and vapes may pose a challenge for Bangladesh to follow global trends in banning this harmful product.
If Bangladesh can impose a strict law against vaping, its move would align with the growing global consensus on the need to address this burning public health threat posed by the rise of vaping.
(The writer is Senior Lecturer, Sunway Business School
(AACSB Accredited)
Sunway University, Malaysia)