BTCA’s concern over the approval of nicotine pouch production project

Times24.net: Bangladesh Tobacco Control Advocates (BTCA) has expressed deep concern and strong protest over the approval granted by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) on April 27 to Philip Morris Bangladesh Limited for a project to produce nicotine pouches.

In a joint statement issued today (Sunday, October 26) by BTCA Convener Iqbal Masud and members Advocate Mahbubul Alam Tahin, Aminul Islam Sujon, Susanta Sinha, Syeda Anannya Rahman, Farhana Zaman Liza, Samiul Hasan Sajib, and Abu Raihan, the organization conveyed this concern and protest.

The statement said that this product is similar to chewing gum, used by placing it inside the mouth, from where nicotine is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream. Although marketed as an alternative to e-cigarettes or vapes, it contains high levels of nicotine, making it highly addictive and extremely harmful to health.

Many countries around the world have already banned or strictly regulated the production and sale of nicotine pouches. At least 34 countries, including Belgium, Russia, Uzbekistan, and France, have taken stringent measures in this regard. Yet, at a time when Bangladesh is in the process of amending its tobacco control law to protect public health and when health advisors and government departments have jointly declared their commitment to prevent non-communicable diseases this approval to produce such a harmful product is a deadly decision.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh, in a landmark ruling, has directed that tobacco use must be reduced within a reasonable time frame and that no new tobacco or tobacco-related product manufacturing company may be approved. The Court has instead instructed that existing tobacco companies be encouraged to produce alternative, non-tobacco products. Therefore, the approval granted by BEZA clearly violates the Court’s directive and contradicts the purpose of the tobacco control law.

Citing the creation of only jobs and an investment cannot justify endangering public life, health, and the welfare of future generations. At a time when the nation is committed to building a tobacco-free Bangladesh and protecting public health, allowing the production of a nicotine-based, addictive product is a policy, ethical, and legal misstep.

The press release further stated that BTCA strongly demands the immediate cancellation of BEZA’s approval and accountability for those who granted it in violation of the Court’s directive. The organization also urges the government to bring all nicotine-based products, including nicotine pouches, under legal regulation and ban their production, marketing, and use to safeguard public health and achieve a tobacco-free Bangladesh.

As the current government advances its health sector reforms to build a healthy and productive nation, the participation and cooperation of all are essential. The production or approval of any product that may harm the public can in no way be acceptable.