Protesters Demand Immediate Revocation of Nicotine Pouch Factory Approval in Bangladesh
On Thursday, a group of protesters gathered in front of the headquarters of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) in Agargaon, Dhaka, demanding the immediate cancellation of the authority’s approval for a factory that would produce nicotine pouches. The demonstration, titled “Cancel the Approval for the Disease-Causing ‘Nicotine Pouch’ Factory,” was organized by two key health advocacy groups: the Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance (BATA) and the Bangladesh Tobacco Control Advocates (BTCA).
The protest came as a response to BEZA’s recent decision to approve the establishment of a factory by Philip Morris, a multinational tobacco company, to manufacture nicotine pouches. According to the organizers, this move is seen as a serious threat to public health and a clear violation of existing legal and constitutional obligations.
A Violation of Health Policies and Court Directives
Speakers at the rally emphasized that BEZA’s approval contradicts both national health policies and a High Court directive that explicitly prohibits the creation of new tobacco factories in the country. They argued that allowing such a facility would undermine efforts to combat the growing public health crisis linked to tobacco use.
One of the speakers highlighted the dangers of nicotine pouches, stating that they are highly addictive and harmful to human health. This warning aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) stance on the product, which has raised concerns about its long-term effects on users. In fact, at least 34 countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Russia, and France, have already banned the sale of nicotine pouches due to their potential risks.
“The idea that nicotine pouches are a safe alternative to smoking is misleading,” said one speaker. “Replacing one form of addiction with another cannot be considered a public health solution.”
Health Risks and Scientific Evidence
The protesters also cited scientific studies that show how nicotine pouches can cause significant harm to various parts of the body. These include damage to the mouth and gums, increased risk of lung and liver diseases, and adverse effects on kidney function. Additionally, research indicates that nicotine exposure can elevate the risk of heart disease and stroke. For adolescents, the impact is even more severe, as nicotine can negatively affect brain development.
This concern is further supported by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, which ruled in 2016 that no new tobacco factories should be allowed to operate in the country. The court also mandated that existing tobacco facilities be converted into non-tobacco industries.
Constitutional and Legal Concerns
The protesters described BEZA’s decision as a direct violation of the country’s constitutional obligations and the Supreme Court’s directive. They specifically pointed to Article 18(1) of the Constitution, which mandates the state to ensure public health and welfare. By approving the factory, they argue, BEZA is failing in its duty to protect citizens from harmful products.
In addition to raising these concerns, representatives from BATA and BTCA submitted a formal memorandum to BEZA’s Executive Chairman. The document demanded the immediate cancellation of the factory approval, accountability for those involved in breaching legal and constitutional provisions, and a strict prohibition on future approvals for harmful products.
They also urged BEZA to take an active role in promoting a tobacco-free Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to safeguard public health.
A Call for Action
The protest highlights the growing tension between economic development and public health in Bangladesh. As the country continues to grapple with rising tobacco-related illnesses, the call for stricter controls on harmful products like nicotine pouches has become more urgent than ever.
With the involvement of prominent health advocates and the backing of international health guidelines, the movement to cancel the factory approval represents a significant step in the fight against tobacco use in the region.