The court sought responses from six secretaries and other relevant authorities after a writ petition challenged the use, sale and marketing of e-cigarettes on public health grounds.
Representational image. Visual: Fahad Jaman/TBS
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Representational image. Visual: Fahad Jaman/TBS
The High Court today (29 June) issued a rule asking the government to explain why the use, sale and marketing of e-cigarettes should not be banned in Bangladesh, citing concerns over public health.
The court directed the health, labour, finance, commerce and law secretaries, along with other relevant authorities, to respond to the rule within four weeks.
The order was passed by a High Court bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice AFM Saiful Karim after hearing a writ petition.
Barristers Shamim Haider Patwary and Nishat Mahmud represented the petitioners during the hearing.
Speaking to reporters after the order, Nishat Mahmud said the World Health Organization (WHO) considers e-cigarettes to be addictive products. She argued that existing laws in Bangladesh do not permit the sale or use of e-cigarettes, although the government has taken steps to allow their marketing as commercial products to generate revenue.
She further said the Tobacco Control Act also does not provide for the use of e-cigarettes. Considering the potential threat to public health, the petitioners sought a ban on the use, sale and marketing of e-cigarettes through the writ petition, she added.
On 17 June, three individuals – Saifuddin Ahmed, AKM Masud and Helal – filed the writ petition seeking a ban on the use, sale and marketing of e-cigarettes in Bangladesh.
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