Establishing a Nicotine Pouch Factory in the Country is Detrimental to Public Health- Statements from BADAS and MANAS

In a major setback to public health, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) recently granted approval for multinational tobacco company Philip Morris to establish a nicotine pouch manufacturing plant in Bangladesh. This decision has been widely condemned by health organizations, including the Bangladesh Diabetic Association (BADAS) and Madak Darbo O Nesha Nirodh Sangstha (MANAS), as a dangerous step that undermines the country’s public health efforts.

In a joint press release issued on October 25, both organizations strongly demanded the immediate revocation of the approval for the production of nicotine pouches. The call was also supported by prominent health professionals during an online talk show organized by MANAS earlier that day.

A Dire Threat to Public Health

The release highlighted the alarming fact that 35 government ministries and departments had previously signed a declaration to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a clear emphasis on tobacco control. Despite these efforts, the decision by BEZA to allow nicotine pouch production has been described as “lethal for public health.” This move, critics argue, represents a deliberate strategy by tobacco companies to expand their market reach by exploiting gaps in existing laws, such as the Smoking and Tobacco Products (Control) Act, which does not explicitly cover e-cigarettes or vaping products.

Tobacco-related diseases and deaths are already significant in Bangladesh, with approximately 40 million people using tobacco products. More than 161,000 deaths are attributed to tobacco each year, a figure that is expected to rise if nicotine pouches are allowed to flood the market.

Economic Investment or Public Harm?

While the approval may be presented as a boost to local industry, BADAS and MANAS argue that such investments do not contribute to national development and only increase the financial burden on healthcare and economic sectors. Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce had already issued a SRO (Statutory Regulatory Order) earlier this year prohibiting the import of e-cigarettes and related products. This ruling was in line with the government’s commitment to tobacco control. The High Court of Bangladesh has also ruled against allowing the establishment of new tobacco companies in the country.

However, despite these measures, Philip Morris has received approval to produce 536.3 million nicotine pouches annually, exclusively for the Bangladeshi market, with imported machinery worth 1.55 million USD. This decision raises significant concerns, as nicotine pouches are widely known to attract new users, particularly teenagers and young adults, due to their novel design and appealing flavors.

Global Rejection of Nicotine Pouches

The international community has recognized the dangers posed by nicotine pouches. Health organizations like the WHO and CDC have labeled nicotine pouches as harmful, with 34 countries, including Belgium, Russia, Uzbekistan, and France, already banning or regulating the sale of these products. This global stance further underscores the recklessness of BEZA’s decision.

Prof. AK Azad Khan, President of BADAS, expressed his concern by stating: “The government is working to ensure a healthy nation through healthcare reforms. Allowing the production of a harmful product like nicotine pouches undermines these efforts. This approval must be revoked for the sake of public health.”

Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury, Founder President of MANAS, added: “Nicotine pouches are marketed as alternatives for smoking cessation, but their flavors and designs make them particularly attractive to younger users. This new product poses a serious risk of addiction and exacerbates Bangladesh’s ongoing tobacco epidemic. The decision to allow nicotine pouch production is unethical and unlawful.”

In conclusion, both BADAS and MANAS strongly oppose the approval for nicotine pouch production in Bangladesh and call on the government to revoke the decision immediately. This move is seen as not only detrimental to public health but also an attempt by tobacco companies to push a dangerous product into an already vulnerable market. The approval is likely to increase tobacco-related diseases, burden the healthcare system, and further exacerbate the nation’s ongoing struggle with tobacco addiction.