DHAKA: Speakers at a press conference urged the government to impose a ban on e-cigarettes in Bangladesh considering its harmful effects on health.

As e-cigarette poses serous threat to health, more than 30 countries including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand and Singapore already banned the item, they said.

Health services division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ministry organized the press conference titled ‘Emerging Tobacco Product (E-Cigarettes, HTP): Bangladesh and International Perspectives and Our Steps ' at Conference room of the ministry on Thursday (October 3).

Chaired by Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque, Sheikh Yousuf Harun, secretary of Health Education and Family Welfare Division, submitted a written statement.

Recently, e-cigarette has been banned in India.  Use of this product is increasing day by day in Bangladesh too. Ban could be imposed on the production, import and sale of tobacco products in the country before conditions get worse. 

BDST: 1948 HRS, OCT 3, 2019

AH/SMS