Bangladesh moves to ban import of e-cigarettes

E-cigarettes will be included in the list of banned products in the import policy order of the commerce ministry, authorities say

The interim government is taking steps to ban the import of e-cigarettes and related products that are harmful to public health.

A proposal to that end received a nod after it was placed by the health ministry at the Advisory Council meeting, presided over by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, at his office in Dhaka’s Tejgaon on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Cabinet Division, the Health Services Division proposed to take urgent measures to ban the import of all products tied to the electronic nicotine delivery systems or e-cigarettes in order to protect public health and keep future generations safe in the meeting.

After the discussion, it has been decided that e-cigarettes will be included in the list of banned products in the import policy order of the Ministry of Commerce.

The Information and Communication Technology Division also presented the draft of the “Cyber Security Act (Repeal) Ordinance, 2024" for in-principle or final approval in the meeting.

However, the authorities have been asked to re-submit the draft for final consent.

The Advisory Council congratulated Bangladesh's Under-19 cricket team and all concerned of the Bangladesh Cricket Board for clinching the 2024 U-19 Asia Cup crown by crushing India by 59 runs in a thrilling final in Dubai.