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 relea...