In a landmark move to protect public health and prevent nicotine addiction among the youth, the Government of Bangladesh has issued a directive banning the production of e-cigarettes and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS).
The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh has welcomed the decision, calling it a timely and visionary step that will have a lasting impact on the nation's well-being.
In an official statement released Saturday, Professor Dr Khondaker Abdul Awal Rizvi, President of the National Heart Foundation, said the decision marks a historic milestone for the country.
He emphasised that e-cigarettes are leading young people toward nicotine dependence and should not be mistaken as a safer alternative. “Nicotine disrupts adolescent brain development and carries long-term physical and mental health risks,” he said.
“By banning production, the government has shut down a harmful industry and safeguarded future generations. This is a bold and far-sighted action.”
The directive follows a recommendation from Noorjahan Begum, Advisor to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In response, Dr. Ahmed Ullah, Director General-1 of the Office of the Chief Adviser, issued a formal letter instructing key regulatory bodies—namely, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA)—to implement the ban without delay.
Anti-tobacco organisations have long advocated for a total ban on the import, production, and marketing of e-cigarettes in Bangladesh. While earlier regulations restricted imports, domestic production continued in the absence of clear prohibitions. With the issuance of this new directive, the government has now closed that loophole entirely.
Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, said that e-cigarettes pose serious health hazards. “As medical professionals, we know these products damage the lungs and heart over time. International studies confirm they are highly addictive,” he said.
Dr. Sohel also noted that Bangladesh is now in step with 42 other countries—including the United States, India, and Hong Kong—that have imposed outright bans on e-cigarettes. An additional 56 nations have enforced strict regulations on their sale and promotion.
In light of these developments, the Foundation formally expressed its gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and met with Special Assistant Professor Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman to commend the government’s decision.
Currently, 35.3% of the Bangladeshi population uses tobacco products, and more than 161,000 people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses. These health impacts also place a massive burden on the national economy, costing nearly BDT 300 billion annually.
The National Heart Foundation strongly supports the government’s directive and urges relevant authorities to ensure its swift and effective implementation. The Foundation has also called upon the Advisory Council to pass the revised Tobacco Control Law prepared by the Ministry of Health, stating that bold and sustained policy action is crucial to creating a healthier, tobacco-free Bangladesh.
