CAPHRA Warns of Foreign Influence Behind Bangladesh’s Proposed Ban on Safer Nicotine Products

NN Online Report:

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has raised alarm over Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health proposal to amend the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005, which seeks to impose a blanket ban on safer nicotine products (SNPs), including vaping devices and oral alternatives.

CAPHRA says the move, being pursued under an interim government and without stakeholder consultation, threatens transparency, accountability, and public health. The organisation alleges the proposal is being driven by foreign-funded groups, sidelining local expertise and democratic processes.

The Ministry has cited Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to exclude health experts, consumers, and harm reduction advocates from discussions. CAPHRA argues this is a misuse of the provision, aimed at silencing scientific debate.

CAPHRA points to Bloomberg Philanthropies and its grantee, the U.S.-based Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), as key actors pushing the policy. Since 2008, Bloomberg Philanthropies has channelled over US$232 million into CTFK’s global anti-nicotine agenda, funding NGOs, training government officials, and embedding advisers within ministries. In Bangladesh, Bloomberg partner Vital Strategies operates a Dhaka office staffed with former government officials, while CTFK and affiliates are official partners of the Ministry’s National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC).

“This is not tobacco control – it’s policy outsourcing,” said Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA. “Foreign-funded NGOs are undermining Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and depriving its citizens of access to proven harm reduction tools.”

CAPHRA argues that the ban runs counter to regional trends. Pakistan and the Philippines recently rejected similar foreign-backed proposals, opting instead for evidence-based policies. Pakistan even expelled Bloomberg-linked NGOs, citing financial misconduct and regulatory violations. Conversely, blanket bans in India and Australia have fuelled black markets and worsened public health outcomes.

Bangladesh, one of the countries hardest hit by tobacco-related illnesses, could benefit greatly from a regulated harm reduction framework. Evidence shows SNPs significantly reduce health risks and support smoking cessation. CAPHRA warns that banning them would undermine progress and set back the nation’s tobacco harm reduction goals.