Researchers: Ehsanul Haque/Syed Saiful Alam

Executive Summary

The young population in Bangladesh has reached a remarkable level. The 15-29 age youth population is currently 27.82% of the total Bangladeshi population as well as 45.9 million (1) . The tobacco industry has long targeted young people through cigarette marketing to replace consumers who quit or die from tobacco use.

Recently, the tobacco industry has targeted Bangladesh as a market for newer nicotine products like electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), with a particular focus on making these products attractive to young consumers.

The tobacco industry has targeted Bangladesh as a market for e-cigarettes with a particular focus on young consumers as the young population in the country has reached a remarkable level.

The industry introduced e-cigarettes in Bangladesh just years after they were introduced in the global markets in 2006 (2). There is anecdotal evidence that e-cigarette use among youth is increasing in part due to various promotional tactics used by the tobacco industry. However, the government and concerned authorities do not have updated data about e-cigarettes, including little information about what products are on the market, their import, and the tactics of the industry to introduce these products in Bangladesh.

Against this backdrop, the study was carried out to reveal various unknown information about the presence of e-cigarettes in Bangladesh that will help the government and others in the decision-making process. However, the main focus is to find out the tactics, strategies, plans and activities of leading tobacco companies like British American Tobacco (BAT) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) about expansion of the e-cigarette market in Bangladesh. The problem regarding e-cigarettes can be solved through taking appropriate initiatives based on complete information about these products, including importation, brands, tobacco companies’ advertising and their attempts to influence policies and laws. The study was also carried out to make informed recommendations in favour of stopping e-cigarette use in Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister committed to make Bangladesh tobacco-free by 2040. So, the tobacco industry applies various tactics to establish the e-cigarette as an alternative product. BAT plays a vital role in this regard.

The Prime Minister committed to make Bangladesh a tobacco-free country by 2040 in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and build a healthy nation (3).

Against this backdrop, the tobacco industry (TI) has applied various tactics to establish the novel tobacco product as an alternative to conventional cigarettes and other tobacco products, applying their narrative: ‘Vaping could help achieve Bangladesh’s aim of being tobacco-free by 2040’ (4). With this so-called ‘logic’, the giant tobacco companies, particularly BAT and JTI, are playing a vital role in promoting, importing and marketing the e-cigarette.

During this investigation, a list of those companies that imported e-cigarettes in the last couple of years was collected. The study found that BAT is selling e-cigarettes through third parties without giving money receipts and potentially dodging tax obligations.

BAT sells e-cigarette through third parties without providing money receipts and potentially dodging tax obligations.  

Visits were paid to BAT-run outlets to investigate the matter. During the visit, we bought a product of BAT’s e-cigarette brand ‘VUSE’ from one of the outlets. They did not give us a money receipt. When asked, employees of the outlet and also consumers said that it is a BAT-run outlet and they were instructed by BAT authorities not to give money receipts for e-cigarette products. BAT is likely depriving the government of tax and VAT due to non-payment of money receipts. We have the record as well as evidence of secret investigation (5).

This study also found that BAT is running its e-cigarette business by registering its customers’ details. Those who buy a VUSE branded product for the first time give their names, addresses, e-mail addresses and phone numbers and they are added to a BAT customers’ list in a bid to maintain regular contact. BAT then contacts them with various offers and discounts for first-time users.

The tobacco industry wants to expand the e-cigarette market by normalizing this product. No existing law addresses the e-cigarette issue. This paves the way for the tobacco industry to obtain legitimacy of e-cigarette business through applying various tactics. An example is that the cigarette companies’ global brands are imported legally. Trademark registration is another tactic for legalization. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare wants to ban e-cigarette in Bangladesh (6). However, e-cigarette traders are working to thwart the move.

No existing law addresses the e-cigarette issue. This paves the way for the tobacco industry to obtain legitimacy of e-cigarette business through applying various tactics. Now various global brands are imported in Bangladesh. BAT, JTI and some other companies have registered trademarks for e-cigarettes.

As a result of the tobacco industry’s tactics to expand e-cigarettes, a number of global brands of vaping product are now available in the Bangladesh market. The tobacco industry uses computer and mobile accessory shops because the vaping product is sold as an electronic device which looks like such products. To expand the product rapidly, BAT and other giant tobacco companies are using smoking zones of various restaurants where youths visit. The study found a number of such restaurants and shops. BAT also developed a number of lounges in many places in Dhaka city.

BAT and other giant tobacco companies use smoking zones in restaurants to attract youths to use e-cigarettes as youths usually visit these places.

BAT, JTI and some other giant tobacco companies have registered the trademark of e-cigarettes to legitimize the product. They are using various tactics to get youth addicted, and they are influencing policymakers to expand the market and prevent a ban on e-cigarettes. They also try to convince policymakers through building public opinion in various ways. For example, this study found a platform backed by e-cigarette traders and importers hosting a ‘Sign the Petition’ campaign demanding e-cigarettes to be allowed in Bangladesh (7) .

If the activities of BAT,  JTI and other giant tobacco companies continue, the goal of making Bangladesh tobacco-free by 2040 won’t be achieved, while the country will potentially face health and economic losses amid a huge increase of vapers. So, e-cigarettes must be stopped immediately.

Based on the findings presented in this report, we recommend that e-cigarettes be banned through an amendment to the tobacco control law. In addition, the authorities concerned should not allow the import of e-cigarettes, and action should be taken against the e-cigarette business of BAT and other companies.

Background

While the e-cigarette is banned in neighboring India and many other countries, its use in Bangladesh increased in the last couple of years. It is becoming popular among the youth (8) due to various tactics and promotional activities of multinational tobacco companies, including BAT and JTI. Many tobacco companies and e-commerce sites (9) are selling various kinds of e-cigarette products across the country, highlighting the so-called ‘positive sides’ of e-cigarette use.

Anti-tobacco activists and experts on public health and tobacco control are concerned about the drastic rise of the novel tobacco product in Bangladesh (10). They are worried about the health risk to the young generation. However, no effective steps have yet been taken to stop its sale, purchase and import. And no step has yet been taken to stop the tactics, influence and promotional activities of the tobacco industry. There is no role for government or non-government organizations in quality control or monitoring the sale and purchase of e-cigarettes, which are not prohibited in Bangladesh. In absence of law and proper monitoring, the tobacco industry has been continuing various tactics to expand the e-cigarette market and increase the number of vapers, and have been able to attract many youths to electronic products.

In the absence of law and proper monitoring, the tobacco industry continues to use various tactics to expand the e-cigarette market in Bangladesh.

In such a situation, it was necessary to carry out an in-depth investigation in order to expose the tactics behind the expansion of the e-cigarette market and to unmask the various tactics by tobacco companies to introduce their e-cigarette products, including the registration of products that are not yet on the market.

The aim of this report is to help stakeholders as well as the authorities concerned to provide a clear idea of the proliferation of e-cigarettes in Bangladesh.

This report is financially supported by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) on behalf of STOP, a global tobacco industry watchdog.

Research Methodology

The six-month study was carried out in Dhaka using different methods of investigation, including survey methods, identifying and classifying, descriptive and analytical, as outlined below.

Data were collected in various ways. Various publications and documents collected from government offices and non-government offices, including Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) (11), were reviewed for the purpose of the research, while various data were collected from the field directly. All the issues of ‘THE TRADE MARKS JOURNAL’, published by the Department of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks under the Ministry of Industries, from January 2000 to December 2021 were collected and reviewed in order to get detailed information about trademark registration, marketing and import of e-cigarette. A visit was paid to Chattogram, the port city of Bangladesh, to find out information regarding e-cigarette importation. Visits were also paid to various vaping shops to find out the involvement of leading tobacco companies, including BAT, in expanding the e-cigarette market and to get a general picture of e-cigarette sale in Bangladesh. Visits were paid to different restaurants, coffee shops and specific lounges for e-cigarette users developed by tobacco companies. A survey was conducted on 50 vaping shops of retailers in Dhaka city, various online sites of e-cigarette sales were reviewed, and tobacco related laws and regulations were analyzed.

Strategy 1:
The survey method was used to gather data on the following issues: the e-cigarette brands which are legally imported, the brands that are available in the market, the giant tobacco companies which have registration for importing e-cigarettes and the companies who are involved in the e-cigarette import through using various tactics.

Strategy 2:
Markets in Dhaka city were selected for data collection and survey and visits were paid in different parts of the capital city of Bangladesh. The e-cigarette brands being sold were collected from these markets. 50 shops in Dhaka city were selected to carry out the survey.

Strategy 3:
The identifying and classifying method was applied to identify the tobacco companies promoting e-cigarettes using the media and other ways, including events organized by tobacco companies or by other platforms in collaboration with giant tobacco companies.

Strategy 4:
The descriptive and analytical methods were used to describe and analyze issues including tactics adopted by companies for promotion of e-cigarettes and their legality. Media reports as well as other evidence of promotional activities published in the media were collected, and investigative journalism techniques were applied.

Current Situation

According to an estimate in 2016, the number of e-cigarette users in Bangladesh was about two lakh (12). Officials of the National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC) estimate that the number has already crossed over hundreds of thousands, a large part of which is underage youth (13). A survey was carried out on 50 shops. Of these, more than 40 started selling e-cigarettes in less than five years or after 2016. Since most e-cigarette shops have opened after 2016, it could be deduced that the number of e-cigarette users in the country has also increase since 2016.

Most e-cigarette shops in Dhaka opened after 2016. So, the number of e-cigarette users in Bangladesh has increased significantly in the last five to six years.

The use of e-cigarettes among the youth is increasing rapidly (14) due to tactics and continuous efforts of BAT and other giant tobacco companies (15). Many non-smokers are also turning to e-cigarettes as a result of the tobacco industry’s misleading tactics and false propaganda. A media report says that many youths in Bangladesh who have never picked up a cigarette are now taking up vaping in record numbers across the country (16). BAT and other giant tobacco companies have many online sites to amplify misleading information. For example, BAT Bangladesh campaigns from its site about ‘harm reduction’ of e-cigarettes (17).

Many non-smokers are turning to e-cigarettes because of the tobacco industry’s misleading tactics and propaganda. Tobacco companies have many online platforms to amplify misleading information.

However, there has not been much research into this as e-cigarette availability is quite new in Bangladesh. The GATS 2017 report discusses e-cigarette use among adults (18). DAM in 2021 carried out a study on e-cigarette use among university students in Dhaka (19). A research article on e-cigarette use prepared by some young researchers was published in the International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET) in 2020 (20). Tobacco Control and Research Cell (TCRC) (21) in 2019 conducted its study on e- cigarettes’ marketing, distribution and availability.

However, there is no specific and complete study on tactics of tobacco industry over e-cigarette expansion. This study aims to provide some of this missing information.

1. Use

According to WHO, the ‘majority of ENDS contain toxic chemicals, including nicotine and substances that can cause cancer (22). ENDS on their own are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and lung disorders and adverse effects on the development of the fetus during pregnancy (23). Mounting evidence shows that ENDS are harmful. Scientists have also found that e-cigarette flavors are toxic to white blood cells (24).

Although e-cigarettes are harmful for health, the tobacco industry and other companies are expanding the product in Bangladesh tactfully. The tobacco industry already expanded the e-cigarette market in the country by applying various tactics and strategies. According to the GATS report, e-cigarette users were 0.2% (25) of the total population of Bangladesh. However, the number of e-cigarette users is likely increasing day by day. DAM study finds 31.27 per cent of respondents had taken e-cigarette at least once in their lives (26). 60% of them were unaware of harmful effects (27). Most participants think e-cigarettes will help them quit conventional cigarettes, and that it is less harmful to health (28). Most of them were students of Dhaka University and North South University (29). The study also found increasing sales of e-cigarettes during field survey.

Many new brands and new types of e-cigarette have been brought to the Bangladesh market by tobacco and nicotine companies.

The TCRC study found at least ten types of devices and 80 flavored liquids in Bangladesh in 2019 (30). Our study has found more devices in the market. In the last three years many more new brands and new products have been brought to the market by tobacco and nicotine companies. This study found at least 32 brands of e-cigarette and e-liquid in the Bangladesh market.

Attracting and addicting youth to the e-cigarette is a major strategy and tactic in e-cigarette expansion. Some giant tobacco companies, including BAT, already spread e-cigarettes among the young generation. Some others, including United Japan Tobacco Limited, a sister company of JTI, are preparing to market the e-cigarette in Bangladesh (31). We know that they are preparing to market e-cigarettes as trademark registrations have already been taken out for some e-cigarette products, which have not yet come to Bangladesh.

Attracting and addicting youth to the e-cigarettes is a major tactic in e-cigarette expansion.

However, JTI is working with some other local companies to spread its tobacco market, including the e-cigarette market. As part of its efforts, JTI on August 6 in 2018 signed an agreement with Akij Group, the second largest tobacco company in Bangladesh, to expand its presence in the emerging markets of Bangladesh (32).

2. Prevalence

The number of e-cigarette users in Bangladesh is still relatively low (33) compared with conventional smokers. As a result of the government’s anti-tobacco activities and the continuous efforts of the anti-tobacco activists, the number of smokers in declining. On the other hand, the number of e-cigarette users is on the rise due to promotional activities by the tobacco industry and tobacco companies (34). Alongside the people who try to quit smoking, media reports highlight how young people who have never picked up a cigarette are now taking up vaping in record numbers across the country (35).

Young people who have never picked up a cigarette are now taking up vaping…

However, the users’ social status has now changed – now rising numbers of young people from lower-income families are also using e-cigarettes (36). The Finance Minister in his 2017 budget speech said that e-cigarette use is increasing day by day and it has become very popular among the young smokers from comparatively wealthy families (37). After speech of the finance minister, the tobacco industry’s efforts were continuing. So, e-cigarette users have increased over the last five to six years across social groups as the tobacco industry’s tactful propaganda continues.

As the tobacco control authorities currently have no regulatory instrument in their hands to control e-cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine companies are encouraging young people and non-smokers to get hooked on nicotine by vaping.

According to GATS 2017 report, tobacco use prevalence has significantly decreased among adults in Bangladesh, with 66.2% of them considering quitting smoking (38). However, tobacco companies try to hooking them to e-cigarettes through applying the various tactics discussed in this report. As the tobacco control authorities currently have no regulatory instrument in their hands to control e-cigarette, tobacco and nicotine companies are encouraging young people and non-smokers to get hooked on nicotine by vaping (39).

Visits to 50 shops (40), undertaken for the purpose of this survey on ‘Bangladesh tobacco industry tactics for novel product expansion’, proved the increased prevalence of e-cigarettes in the capital of Bangladesh, because, there were no e-cigarette shops in Dhaka city just a few years ago (41). Previously, most e-cigarette shops were found in wealthy areas of the capital city, particularly Gulshan and Banani, just after the arrival of the novel product in Bangladesh (42). Now, e-cigarette shops are found everywhere in Dhaka, making them more accessible. The survey of shops found that only around 22% of the 50 outlets have been selling e-cigarettes for five years or a little more. The remaining 78% of the e-cigarette outlets surveyed in Dhaka were started within the last five years, and have been selling e-cigarettes for less than five years. This further highlights the increase in e-cigarette sales in recent times.

Most e-cigarette shops were found in wealthy areas of Dhaka just after the arrival of the novel product. Now, e-cigarette shops are found everywhere in Bangladesh, including remote towns.

The prevalence of e-cigarette outlets is not only found in Dhaka city but also in other cities, towns and remote areas across the country (43). The novel addictive product is easily within the purchasing capacity of low-income populations and youth. The device starts from Tk 550 to Tk 35,000 and the liquid price is between Tk 350 and Tk 24,000 (44). Still the price decreases day by day (45).

3. Legal Situation

There are about 50 countries that have some type of ban on e-cigarettes and similar products—either on possession, use and sale, or importation. Although the e-cigarette is banned in neighboring India and other countries, it is still not banned in Bangladesh. The ‘Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act, 2005’, updated in 2013, does not address e-cigarettes. As the sale of e-cigarette is not regulated, its sale is ‘allowed’ indirectly. Tobacco related laws and regulations were analyzed and it is observed that the tobacco industry misuses the tobacco control law to sell these products, as outlined below.

The tobacco control law does not address e-cigarettes. So, the tobacco industry misuses the law to expand its market.

Tobacco and nicotine companies take advantage of loopholes in the law and manage to obtain the legality of e-cigarette business through applying various tactics. Many giant tobacco companies, including BAT and JTI, are using trademark registration, which is a tactic to legitimate and introduce the product in Bangladesh. Importing e-cigarettes through getting approval from the authorities concerned and paying tax and duties to the government for imported e-cigarette products are all part of the strategy of the tobacco industry for the legalization process of e-cigarettes in Bangladesh.

Many giant tobacco companies are using trademark registration as a tactic to legitimate and introduce the product in Bangladesh. Importing e-cigarettes through getting approval and paying tax are all part of the industry’s tactics to create a legal market for the products.

Tobacco and nicotine companies are also taking advantage of the provision of ‘Designated Smoking Area (DSA)’ in the tobacco control law. Using the loophole in the law, tobacco companies are enticing and inducing restaurant owners to establish DSAs (46). The tobacco industry is making good use of the DSAs to expand the e-cigarette market and increase its users in Bangladesh. The e-cigarette is used in many DSAs, while BAT and many others sell e-cigarette products in these areas. In many restaurants in Dhaka city, DSAs were developed in collaboration with some leading tobacco companies, while it was found that promotional activities are going on in many of the DSAs (47).

The tobacco industry makes good use of ‘Designated Smoking Areas’ to expand the e-cigarette market. BAT and many others sell e-cigarette products in DSAs. In many restaurants, DSAs were developed in collaboration with leading tobacco companies.

Although the tobacco control law does not address e-cigarettes and tobacco industry uses the loopholes in law, the apex court issued an order against tobacco which also covers the e-cigarette. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (Civil Appeal No. 204-205/2001, 01/03/16) in a judgment directed to reduce tobacco consumption in Bangladesh at reasonable level. The same judgment directed that no new tobacco and tobacco products companies should be allowed in the country and existing tobacco companies should cooperate in manufacturing other products. The Appellate Division issued the judgment, upholding a judgement of the High Court. The judgement stated against new tobacco product, while according to the judgement, any new tobacco product is not a Quitting Product. However, e-cigarette is a new tobacco product. As per the judgment, it is supposed to be stopped if it is a Quitting Product.

4. Imposition of Tax

There was no legal framework to import and market e-cigarettes in Bangladesh. Imposing tax and duties and allowing import paved the way for the tobacco industry in expanding the novel tobacco product in Bangladesh. Custom tariff for the electronic cigarettes and similar vaporizing devices is 212.20%. The HS Code is 8543.40.00.

The is no legal order regarding e-cigarette import before 2018. Imposing tax and allowing import paved the way for expanding the market in Bangladesh.

There was no legal order regarding e-cigarette import before 2018. Allowing the import of e-cigarettes is a process of legalization on the one hand, and by paying taxes and duties on the other, the tobacco industry will argue that since the import of e-cigarettes is increasing Bangladesh’s revenue through taxes and VAT, it needs to be legalized. The tobacco industry will want to highlight the argument that e-cigarettes will play a vital role in the country’s economy.

5. Socialization of Vaping

Many youths use e-cigarettes simply for social reasons and while spending time with friends. Daily Manabzamon, a Bengali leading newspaper, reports that youths vape as a social activity. Uptake of this activity is generally relatively high among students (48). The tobacco and nicotine industry manipulates the emotions of youths and continues its activities for e-cigarette expansion (49). So, now its use is seen in youth hangout spots, campuses, street corners and restaurants particularly in Dhaka (50). According to the DAM study, most students who took part in the study, tried their first e-cigarette with friends (51). Nearly 95% of e-cigarette sellers who were included in our study said that students are among the main customers of vaping products.

Tobacco and nicotine companies use social media to reach the young generation and students. About 80% of shops included in our survey use both the online platforms and social networking sites to expand their e-cigarette businesses, while about 94% of shops use only social networking sites.

The participants in the survey said that they also use off-line media to increase e-cigarette sales. A ‘Vaping Festival’ took place in Dhaka with the support of BAT, which encouraged young people to use e-cigarettes, who were the main participants in the festival. The video of the vaping festival was shared widely on social media platforms. A screenshot of the video has been attached (see page 14).

6. E-cigarette brands currently available on market

The e-cigarette products of various brands come from China, USA, UK, Germany and Malaysia. According to our field-level survey, the majority of the imported vaping products come from China. There are at least 32 e-cigarette and e-liquid brands that the study found during visits to markets. The brands’ names were mentioned in a table below. The brands are also available in online markets. Names, pictures and prices of the brands are usually given in the sites of online shops, including leading online shop Vape Stop (52).

Various tactics are applied from the tobacco and nicotine industry to expand e-cigarette brands and products more widely. With its slogan ‘Building A Better Tomorrow’, BAT puts a sharper focus on its New Category products, fuelled by investment from the continued delivery of its traditional tobacco business (54). Alongside the other tobacco products, the giant tobacco company highlights its slogan ‘A Better Tomorrow’ during its activities of e-cigarette expansion. The BAT uses the slogan as it wants to attract the consumers saying, ‘Our approach will deliver A Better Tomorrow™ for our consumers who will have a range of enjoyable and less risky’ (55). BAT has taken trademark registration for e-cigarette brands with this slogan. They are promoting the ‘Better Tomorrow’ in Bangladesh.

Tobacco Industry Marketing and Tricks around ENDs

Data were collected from different sources, while e-cigarette related publications, information and online sites were analyzed and the field survey was conducted about e-cigarette marketing during this research. The survey and research data found evidence of the tobacco industry’s marketing tactics to promote ENDs across Bangladesh. The e-cigarette is expanding in Bangladesh due to aggressive marketing policy of the tobacco industry. As a result of the tobacco industry’s tricks and aggressive marketing policy, the e-cigarette is now not only available in Dhaka, it is also sold in Chattogram, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Mymenisngh, Cumilla and Narayanganj (56) and other parts of the country. Tobacco companies are also active in online marketing.

The study found several online sites of e-cigarette sales. As part of tactics, the tobacco companies patronize other online platforms to spread e-cigarettes. Uploading pictures of various vaping devices on its site, Vape Stop on its online site claims, “Dhaka is a popular city which has plenty of adult vapers… and we offer the full variety of e-cigarette kits, box mod vapes, e-juice and e-liquids, pod vapes, and accessories such as tanks and coils (57).” The tactics to expand the e-cigarette market and increase users of vaping products are discussed in more detail below.

1. Tobacco Industry Targets Youth

Tobacco industry are placing misleading arguments for expanding e-cigarette in Bangladesh Many youths now use e-cigarette for style and flavor due to propaganda and promotional activities. The tobacco industry targets Bangladesh for e-cigarette expansion as the country is one of the highest population densities, and the eighth most populous country in the world. The country’s population density is now 1,156.84 people per square kilometer (58). The tobacco industry mainly targets youths (59) as they are the largest population group in Bangladesh. Tobacco and nicotine companies are using the opportunity of a large population group as well as the large number of youths.

The TCRC study finds that tobacco companies are rapidly expanding the e-cigarette market using aggressive marketing strategies (60). Our survey found that e-cigarette consumers at the 50 shops surveyed are mostly youths. Nearly 90% of shopkeepers in interviews during the field level survey answered that, alongside professionals, students are also their main customers, i.e. teenagers and youths. Historically, the tobacco industry targets youth as part of its strategy to build long-term consumers, targeting youths studying in schools, colleges and universities (61). Our findings suggest that they are doing the same with e-cigarette marketing and promotion.

Youths are seen using e-cigarettes openly on the streets, roads, open places and smoking zones of restaurants. Young women are also seen using e-cigarettes while sitting in a rickshaw or on the back of a motorcycle with friend (62). The vaping product is now available in common supermarkets and even on the shops on the sidewalks and shops in all parts of Dhaka city and other parts of the country (63).

2. Use of Social Media to Reach Youth

The tobacco industry uses social sites as part of its tactics and strategies to attract youths and teenagers. They know ‘the vast majority of Bangladeshis own a Smartphone and use social media on a regular basis (64).’ Now there are about 53 million Facebook users in Bangladesh and people aged 18 to 24 are the largest user group (65). The study has been able to find the tactics of the tobacco industry that they use social media for expanding the e-cigarette market in Bangladesh. They use social networking sites, targeting youths who usually remain active in social media.

Many youths use vaping products following the tobacco industry’s promotional activities on social media and online platforms. Most students in Bangladesh, who participated in the DAM study, first heard about e-cigarettes from ads in social media, especially on Facebook and Instagram (66). This study also found similar trends. The students know about e-cigarettes and where to buy them mainly from social networking sites and other online media. About 94% of the participants of the field-level survey in our study said that they use social networking sites to increase sales of e-cigarettes, while 80% of participants said that they use online media for reaching customers.

A vaping festival (67) was arranged in Bangladesh for the first time. It was organized in Dhaka in a way that to encourage youth towards using e-cigarettes. The video of the vaping festival was released on social sites reaching a large number of youths. From these findings, it is clear that the tobacco industry is using social media deliberately to expand e-cigarettes in a way that is attractive to youth.

The study identified the false, tactful and strategic activities of the tobacco companies through monitoring various social networking sites and OTT platforms and their other activities. Voice of Vapers Bangladesh, a recently created platform of vapers in Bangladesh (68), has been arranging various programmes in favour of e-cigarettes. The platform arranged a webinar titled ‘Save Vaping Save Bangladesh’ on September 2 in 2022 and participants of the webinar spoke about e-cigarette’s so-called ‘positive sides’. Speakers of the webinar repeatedly said that e-cigarettes are not harmful to health (69). Video recording of the webinar was spread in social media and other online sites.

3. TI tactics to expand e-cigarette use among low-income population

Bangladesh is a low-income country. The tobacco industry has applied various tactics to reach a large number of the population by offering novel tobacco products at a cheap rate. Some companies bring e-cigarettes into Bangladesh by using a technique known as ‘luggage party (70)’, a known tactic used to dodge tax and duties and supply products at a cheaper rate. ‘Luggage party’ refers to travelers bringing branded cosmetics and devices from different countries claiming that they are for personal use or gifts, but then sell them to retailers, avoiding duties and taxes. Some companies also avoid taxes and levies by importing e-cigarette under the label of electronic devices or medicine products.

4. Industry Media Advocacy

Alongside the use of social media, the tobacco industry also convinces the mainstream media and online activists to promote e-cigarettes. Tobacco companies use mainstream journalists to achieve their purposes by inviting them to their events. The study has received information from two journalists who participated in a promotional programme for e-cigarettes.

One of the journalists is close to some MPs and holds a vital post in the Parliament Journalists’ Association. His name is Kazi Sohagh, a senior reporter of leading national Bengali daily, Manabzamin, based in Dhaka. The journalist admitted taking part in the promotional event during an interview for the study (71). We also learned that journalists have been invited to participate in several other programs intended to promote e-cigarettes.

Companies selling e-cigarettes, including tobacco companies, are implementing various programs using different platforms to promote e-cigarettes through the media. They observed ‘World Vape Day’ in Bangladesh in 2022. On this day, a discussion titled ‘The Need for a Tobacco Harm Reduction Strategy: Achieving the Government’s Health Agenda and Revenue Ambitions’ organized by Voice of Vapers Bangladesh (72) was held at a hotel in Dhaka city on May 31 in 2022, the same day as “World No Tobacco Day” is observed. The event was covered in various media outlets.

Speakers of the World Vape Day event discussed the so-called ‘positive sides’ of e-cigarettes. They said, ‘Vaping is a much safer alternative to smoking’ (73). They called upon policymakers to establish safer alternatives to smoking: such as ‘vaping products as smoking cessation mediums in government’s tobacco control plans.’ At the event Dr Altamash Mahmood, a faculty member of Public Health Nutrition at Bangladesh Open University, termed vaping as a cessation tool and a safer alternative (74) to smoking. The tobacco industry uses such reputable people as part of their tactics. The Voice of Vapers Bangladesh uploaded the video of the event on Over the Top (OTT) platform so that many people can watch their speeches and narratives in favor of e-cigarettes (75).

The Voice of Vapers Bangladesh is arranging many other similar programs. For example, it organized a webinar titled ‘Save Vaping, Save Bangladesh’ 2 September 2022. The event was arranged amid the government’s proposal to ban vape in a new amendment to the country’s tobacco control legislation. The event hosted local and international speakers who said ‘many people are using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool’ (76). The Voice of Vapers Bangladesh works to attain the interest of BAT and other giant tobacco companies as the platform is backed by the Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Traders Association (BENDSTA), which is the platform of all major e-cigarette importers in Bangladesh. The importers are involved in importing BAT’s e-cigarette brand ‘VUSE’ and many other brands of BAT and other tobacco companies.

5. Organized Network to Attract Youth

Tobacco companies have been able to build a countrywide network of e-cigarette businesses. They use computer and mobile phone shops to market e-cigarettes and novel products across the country. They use computer and mobile phone accessory shops because the vaping product is sold as an electronic device and fits in there. These shops are operating with the support of tobacco companies to increase the number of e-cigarette users in Bangladesh.

The study found that BAT and some other companies have helped many shops to develop lounges for e-cigarette users. Picture of such a lounge was mentioned in the report (see page 18). During the field visit of the study, it was found that most of the shops in Dhaka provide a home delivery service for e-cigarettes. Nearly 90% of respondents, who took part in our survey, said that they have an online home delivery service all over Bangladesh. Occasionally they offer a discount or even free home delivery. The home delivery service was developed as part of organized countrywide network.

Tobacco companies thus continue to work in more ways to promote e-cigarettes across the country. Especially, the giant tobacco companies are spreading e-cigarettes through a well-organized network. As a result, e-cigarettes have spread in Bangladesh within a few years.

6. Use of DSA

Tobacco companies are taking advantage of the provision of ‘designated smoking areas (DSA)’ in the national tobacco control law. Using this loophole in the law, tobacco companies are enticing and inducing restaurant owners to establish DSAs (77). Since there is no mention of e-cigarettes in the law, it is another trick for the tobacco companies that they are indirectly using these zones as legal zones for the use of e-cigarettes.

BAT uses a number of such zones for e-cigarette promotion. One of these zones is Gloria Jean’s Coffees which has some branches in Dhaka. A visit was paid to this zone at Dhanmondi in Dhaka and it was seen that BAT’s most popular ‘VUSE’ brand is displayed there. Some people are seen using e-cigarettes in the smoking zone. Like BAT, the wider tobacco industry is making good use of DSAs to expand the e-cigarette market and increase users in Bangladesh. DSAs in many restaurants and lounges for vapers in restaurants, hotels, shops and coffee houses were developed in collaboration with BAT and some other giant tobacco companies. Visits were paid to many other similar smoking zones, coffee houses and lounges for e-cigarette users in different areas in Dhaka city. E-cigarette companies provide incentive for coffee houses and restaurants in a bid to use them for expanding the e- cigarette market and users. The above picture shows a lounge which was developed with the incentive involvement of a tobacco company—BAT.

7. BAT runs outlets from behind the scene

In many places, shops are not only selling on their own initiative supplied by tobacco companies, e-cigarettes are also being sold in various shops and restaurants under direct supervision of some leading tobacco companies.

The ‘VUSE’ products are now available in vaping shops in Bangladesh. The international vape brand ‘VUSE’ is found in the market of the UK as an e-cigarette product of British American Tobacco. The study found 39 outlets (78) in Dhaka city where ‘VUSE’ products are sold in an organized way. Many said that BAT sells products of ‘VUSE’ brand through third parties in the outlets as well as running the 39 outlets from behind the scenes. Sellers of the outlets claim that they are selling the products of ‘VUSE’ brand on behalf of the BAT. Three employees of Gloria Jean’s Coffees at Dhanmondi in Dhaka said that they sell products of VUSE brand from this outlet. They also said that BAT is running the 39 outlets and selling e-cigarette through third parties in shops and restaurants and Gloria Jean’s Coffees is one of the BAT-run shops. Some consumers of e-cigarette at Gloria Jean’s Coffee and some other outlets also said that they know that these are the outlets run by BAT. It is beyond our understanding that BAT is not aware of the huge sale of their products of VUSE brand.

BAT is promoting the ‘VUSE’ brand in the UK with the slogan ‘A Better Tomorrow’. They have taken trademark registration for VUSE brand in the UK under this slogan. They argued for this slogan by saying that ‘We have evolved our strategy to put a sharper focus on our New Category products (79).’ As per BAT’s announcement, VUSE has become the number one global vaping brand with the slogan (80).

However, the company is promoting the ‘A Better Tomorrow’ slogan also in Bangladesh with a sustainability agenda (81). The BAT campaigns the slogan in Bangladesh and uses the slogan in its CSR activities. This will be discussed later in the point for CSR activities. Against this backdrop, we carried out an investigation secretly and collected documents in this regard (82). However, we do not think that the sale of the products of the VUSE brand is happening without the knowledge of BAT. During our investigation, we found sales of ‘VUSE’ products, which are found in the UK, at some outlets in Dhaka of Bangladesh. ‘VUSE’ have been providing the UK vaping market with a range of closed system e-cigarettes and refill cartridges since 2013 (83).

BAT developed DSAs or lounges in many other shops and restaurants. The study also found that BAT is running e-cigarette outlets by registering smokers using National Identity (NID) cards with the aim of creating long-term customers. The assigned employees of BAT in the 39 outlets, what the employees said, sell the ‘VUSE’ brand of e-cigarette without providing money receipts. However, by registering the ‘VUSE’ brand to their customers once they make a sale, the employees maintain regular contact with the registered vapers. From time to time, they send messages of various offers through e-mail and mobile SMS.

BAT runs different online sites to market and promote ‘VUSE’ and other brands. ‘Vapor Cloud’ is one of the online sites of BAT’s e-cigarette products sale (84) and another site is “exclusivebrandsbd”. Customers can collect ‘VUSE’ and products of BAT’s other brands and e-cigarette accessories easily. The e-cigarette products of different BAT’s brands are available in various outlets and online sites. Thus, BAT is playing a vital role in expanding the e-cigarette market and increasing vapers in Bangladesh.

Those who buy a ‘VUSE’ branded tool for the first time from any of BAT-run outlets get a large discount, ranging from 30% to 40%. If anyone buys any other products from these outlets or in a restaurant DSA, they will get a money receipt, but they will not receive a receipt when they buy a ‘VUSE’ branded product. When we bought a vaping device of ‘VUSE’ brand of e-cigarette named ‘Vuse ePod 2’ from an outlet out of 39 and ask for money receipt, employees say that BAT authorities have asked not to give money receipts for these e-cigarette products. We believe this is because BAT is using these outlets without authorization and selling these products in a way that might not be considered legal (85). BAT is depriving the government of tax and VAT due to non-payment of money receipts.

The shops, restaurants, lounges and coffee shops where the ‘VUSE’ brand is sold outside of the 39 outlets BAT manages also maintain confidentiality. In our survey conducted on 50 shops, sellers mentioned various brand names, but most avoided the name of BAT’s VUSE brand. However, during our investigation we have seen that almost all shops carry ‘VUSE’ branded products. The e-cigarette products of VUSE brand are now available in the Bangladesh market.

It could be that the giant tobacco company has been conducting campaign activities before coming to market with its e-cigarette products. BAT has trademark registration for e-cigarettes and various e-related products and brands which have not yet been imported or brought to the Bangladesh market.

Meanwhile, like BAT, JTI also markets e-cigarettes in Bangladesh (86). Like BAT, JTI also has trademark registrations for e-cigarettes and related products. United Dhaka Tobacco Company Ltd (UDTCL), a sister company of JTI, has taken trademark registration for many e-cigarette brands. JTI entered Bangladesh’s tobacco market by acquiring UDTCL for $1.47 billion in 2018 from the Akij Group (87). However, since e-cigarettes are not approved in Bangladesh, the BAT and other tobacco companies are completing trademark registration and other registration process secretly.

JTI came to Bangladesh with the highest-ever investment in the country’s history (88). The Japan-based tobacco company bought the tobacco business of Bangladesh’s Akij Group as the world’s third-biggest cigarette maker seeks new growth markets (89). However, JTI lags behind BAT due to its dominance in the tobacco market in Bangladesh. JTI in 2021 filed a complaint with the Bangladesh Competition Commission against BAT Bangladesh (BATB), alleging that BATB operates to prevent competition in the market and stop rivals from gaining market access (90).

TI Interference with policymakers to prevent ban on e-cigarettes

The giant tobacco companies are interfering in policy to prevent e-cigarettes coming under the legal framework. As the tobacco control law of Bangladesh or any other law does not directly cover e-cigarettes, the tobacco industry is making extensive use of loopholes in the law and intervening at the policy making level to expand the market of e-cigarette products, by ensuring that they are not banned by law or face even the slightest legal hurdle.

Giant tobacco companies are interfering in policy to prevent e-cigarette from being banned. The study found the presence of the tobacco lobby in various sectors.

The study found the presence of the tobacco lobby in various sectors, including at the highest policy-making level. Tobacco companies even spend huge amounts for this purpose. Industry interference threatens the tobacco-free goal in Bangladesh (91). Some of these interventions by the tobacco industry are discussed below.

1. Efforts to build public opinion and attract policymakers’ attention

The tobacco industry began applying various tactics to rapidly expand the e-cigarette market in Bangladesh following the prime minister’s announcement of making Bangladesh tobacco-free by 2040. TI wants to convince policymakers that, ‘Vaping is the perfect tool to achieve the goal because it is 95% safer than cigarette smoking (92).’

Many tobacco companies, particularly the leading tobacco companies, organize various events to promote the e-cigarette, while many events are organized by other platforms in collaboration with giant tobacco companies.

The tobacco industry wants to convince policymakers that vaping is the perfect tool to achieve its goal because it is safer than smoking e-cigarettes.

Some tobacco companies began arranging a vaping festival to promote the e-cigarette. These public events are arranged to build public opinion in favour of e-cigarettes and to attract the attention of policymakers so that e-cigarettes are not banned in Bangladesh or face any other hurdle.

In many cases, the tobacco industry is more successful in promoting other tobacco products, including cigarette and chewing tobacco products. In some cases, the tobacco companies have to play a tactical role in promoting other tobacco products due to legal obligations, but they are marketing e-cigarette with relatively less strategy and earning a lot of money.

BENDSTA (93) arranged a press conference at Kawran Bazar in Dhaka demanding the government stop its move to ban the e-cigarette through an amendment to the tobacco control law. BENDSTA and some other platforms and individuals have been continuing efforts and campaigning for the e-cigarette. Schumann Zaman, president of BENDSTA, is one of the campaigners.

He imported e-cigarettes first in Bangladesh in 2012 (94). He has repeatedly called upon the government not to ban the e-cigarette, saying that “Vaping is 95 per cent safer than smoking a conventional cigarette. This is proven to be an effective ‘quit smoking’ tool (95).”

The tobacco industry also uses many other persons to achieve their purpose. A video interview of Dr Rajib Hossain Joarder, a surgeon at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, was posted on the Facebook page of Voice of Vapers Bangladesh where Dr Rajib, sitting at Zaman-owned Vapor Cloud outlet in Dhaka, endorsed vaping as ‘100 per cent safe’ (96). Dr Rajib Hossain Joarder has been accused of campaigning in favour of vaping as he has been claiming that vaping industry is booming and those who are talking against them do not have a legitimate logic (97). The doctor applauded Voice of Vapers Bangladesh as a very effective initiative (98). He wrote a column in a leading English daily in favour the e-cigarette, saying that 2 out of 3 cigarette smokers in Bangladesh can quit through the use of vape, which is 95% less harmful (99). Such efforts of Dr Rajib Hossain Joarder and others are the part of tactics to make public opinion and draw the policymakers’ attention in favour of e-cigarette.

2. TI uses anti-tobacco organizations to further its interests

Alongside its other efforts, the tobacco industry tries to use some anti-tobacco organizations to achieve its ends. The industry tries to convince anti-tobacco activists, policymakers and others by presenting its narrative that ‘e-cigarettes, vaping and heated tobacco products as safer alternatives (100).’ For example, a platform of anti-tobacco organizations wrote letters to several government offices and departments defending e-cigarette and tobacco companies (101).

The letters were written in 2020. However, some other anti-tobacco campaigners of the platform did not support the letters. On May 14 in 2020, they issued a statement protesting the letters sent by some of their colleagues. The statement was issued in Bengali language. Is has been possible to collect a copy of the press statement. A picture of this letter can be seen on this page.

3. Efforts to thwart the government’s plan to ban e-cigarettes

The import and marketing of e-cigarette are not prohibited in Bangladesh due to lack of proper laws. For the same reason, no government or non-government organization is in the role of quality regulator of this harmful product. However, after the ban on e-cigarettes in India in 2019, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in Bangladesh planned to impose a ban on the product (102). The step was not implemented due to objections from some other ministries. It has been reported that the ministry is now moving forward to amend the national tobacco control law where the e-cigarette issue is in the plan of covering.

The tobacco industry tries to use anti-tobacco activists and anti-tobacco organizations to achieve its ends. This has resulted in a platform of anti-tobacco organizations writing letters to several government offices and departments defending e-cigarettes.

Tobacco and nicotine companies are now working hard to thwart the government’s plan to amend the ‘Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2013’ and the planned provision to ban the e-cigarette. The National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is leading on the matter. The NTCC invites public opinion over the move to amend the tobacco control law. While most opinions are submitted against tobacco, some opinions are also submitted in favor of all kinds of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Opinions that are pro-tobacco are mainly given by staff of tobacco companies or people working on their behalf.

The plan of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to ban e-cigarettes is not being implemented due to objections from some other ministries.

According to NTCC sources, a large portion of the opinions submitted supporting tobacco are fraudulently submitted under false names or in the names of people who themselves don’t know anything about the matter. Link of a video in this regard is mentioned (103) where many have said that their signatures were forged and opinions were submitted in their names but they know nothing.

While public opinion is invited to amend the tobacco control law, some opinions are submitted in favour of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, which are mainly given by staff of tobacco companies. Many of the opinions submitted fraudulently.

Tobacco companies are also using various platforms to thwart the government’s plan to impose a ban on e-cigarettes. Voice of Vapers Bangladesh is working hard for the tobacco industry. The recently launched platform began a ‘Sign the Petition’ campaign to press home various demands, including the key demand– ‘establishing vapers’ rights in Bangladesh (104).

The platform holds a theme- Save saving, save Bangladesh. It is a completely confusing and misleading slogan. However, the Voice of Vapers Bangladesh has already arranged a webinar on the theme. The platform is implementing various other programmes for promoting e-cigarette in Bangladesh.

4. CSR activities for getting closer to policymakers

Since the promotional activities for any tobacco product are banned in Bangladesh, the tobacco industry uses corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes to promote e-cigarettes and other products. The tobacco industry uses leading companies of other sectors through CSR activities. They involved many other multinational companies in their activities.

The tobacco industry uses CSR programmes to promote e-cigarettes and get closer to policymakers. BAT and other giant tobacco companies use leading companies of other sectors through CSR activities. Grameenphone and other similar companies are involved in tobacco companies’ CSR programmes.

BAT is one of the companies who is active in involving other companies with its CSR activities. Grameenphone, the leading telecom operator in Bangladesh, and other similar companies are involved in tobacco companies CSR programmes.

For example, Grameenphone promoted the e-cigarette through its official Facebook page in 2020. Using the WHO logo, it was written in a Facebook post- ‘Coronavirus (Covid-19) doesn’t spread through e-cigarettes’ (105). It is one kind of advertisement for e-cigarettes through using the telecom operator, which has the highest number of subscribers in Bangladesh: 83.02 million (106).

The government endorses tobacco companies’ donations and CSR activities (107), which have been identified and investigated. The tobacco industry uses the CSR programmes to get closer to policymakers, government officials and administration (108). We found evidence in this regard. It was seen during Covid-19 that tobacco companies provided PPE (personal protective equipment) and other items, including hand-sanitizer, to the field administration in the name of CSR.

After providing these, the tobacco companies widely promoted these actions through social media and mass media, improving their brand image (109), and salvaging their corporate image among the public (110). As part of the CSR activities, a tobacco company donated Tk 88.82 million to the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Foundation (Welfare Foundation for Workers in Bangladesh) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment (111).

As various tobacco companies, including BAT, are involved in CSR activities, they also use the benefits of these activities to expand the e-cigarette market. The BAT carries out CSR activities with its slogan ‘A Better Tomorrow’. A CSR awards under the title ‘A Better Tomorrow™ CSR Summit & Awards’ began and it will be held annually organised by a media house and CSR Window (112).

BAT Bangladesh is also under the CSR Window, while the leading tobacco company joins actively the ‘A Better Tomorrow CSR Awards 2022’ (113). However, ‘A Better Tomorrow’ is the slogan of BAT and the giant tobacco company has taken trademark registration of e-cigarette products with the slogan. Through this slogan, the tobacco company tries to convince the government and policymakers by highlighting the positivity of their activities.

5. TI Legal Initiative to introduce ENDs

BAT, JTI and some other tobacco companies have been continuing efforts to expand e-cigarettes in Bangladesh legally and as well as to begin promotional activities with approval from the government. The BAT, JTI and some others that have not yet started selling products in Bangladesh come to the country and have already taken trademark registration, which is a way to force the legalization of e-cigarette business and expansion in the country without a regulatory framework.

BAT, JTI and some other tobacco companies have been continuing efforts to expand e-cigarettes in Bangladesh legally. Getting trademark registration for e-cigarettes is the tactic of tobacco companies to legalize the product. BAT has taken trademark registration with ‘A Better Tomorrow’ slogan. BAT tries to use the slogan to convince policymakers by highlighting the positivity of their activities.

Getting trademark registration for e-cigarettes is the tactic of tobacco companies to legalize the product in Bangladesh in order to expand its customers and profits. We reviewed and analyzed ‘THE TRADE MARKS JOURNAL’, published by the Department of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks under the Ministry of Industries in Bangladesh from January 2000 to December, 2021, in order to get detailed information about trademark registrations, marketing and import of e-cigarettes. The study found many trademark registrations by BAT, JTI and others, including: (114)

• British American Tobacco (BAT), Reg No. 203196. BAT gets several other registrations under some other trademarks. Such as- BAT, Reg. No. 216684 under the trademark- CRUSH SWITCH REFRESH, Date: 08/11/2017. BAT, Reg. No. 218150 under the trademark- BOOST, Date: 13/12/2017. The giant tobacco company got several other trademark registrations.
• Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Reg. No. 239612 under the trademark- COMPACT, Date: 16/10/2019. (3) China Tobacco Jiangsu Industrial Co., Ltd, Reg. No. 242357 under the trademark– SUYAN, Date: 1/6/2020. It got several other registrations.
• Philip Morris Products S.A. of Switzerland, Reg No. 200090, Date: 29/06/2016. Another Reg. No. 202580 under the trademark- TEEPS. Date: 13/12/2016. Another Reg. No. 102461 under the trademark- RAFFLES, Another Reg. No. 202461.
• John Player & Sons Limited of Ireland, Reg No. 181571 (6) Golden Leaf (Macau) Tobacco’s Manufacturing Limited, Reg. No. 203369, Date: 27/10/2016. Another Reg. No. 203370.

BAT Bangladesh has, however, taken trademark registration with the slogan ‘A Better Tomorrow’. It is the slogan of the British American Tobacco (BAT) and BAT Bangladesh is a part of world’s most international tobacco group.

Alongside the trademark registrations, some other legal initiatives, including the tax structure of e-cigarettes, have also been taken following the efforts of the tobacco industry.

Tax structure of e-cigarettes has also been taken as part of the tobacco industry’s legal initiative.

Meanwhile, data regarding importation was collected and after reviewing the data for the past few years, it is seen that the import is also increasing. The import data proves that tobacco companies, particularly BAT, are also importing e-cigarettes legally as part of their tactics to expand the novel tobacco product in the country. This way they can present the narrative to the government that they are contributing to the economy through paying tax and custom duties from e-cigarette products. However, as discussed earlier in this report, this is not a true picture. According to an estimation of BENDSTA in 2021, there are approximately 50 importers and several e-commerce sites selling e-cigarettes and vape juices in Bangladesh (115). We have a list of those who imported e-cigarette in the last couple of years where the BAT and JTI are also named (116).

Conclusion and Key Recommendations

The anti-tobacco movement in Bangladesh has gained tremendous momentum. As a result, although the number of users of tobacco products in the country is still much higher, it is not growing at the rate it could have. The rate of smokers is declining in proportion to the population. But there is evidence that e-cigarette use and availability is increasing in Bangladesh.

The tobacco companies are inspiring youths to consume e-cigarettes (117) and expanding the market. However, anti-tobacco platforms have been calling for a ban on novel tobacco products. 11 leading anti-tobacco organizations in a joint statement in 2020 demanded a ban on e-cigarettes (118). 153 MPs in 2021 wrote to the Prime Minister with the same call (119).

The tobacco industry uses various tactics to promote e-cigarettes following the PM’s commitment to make Bangladesh tobacco-free by 2040. There is evidence that companies selling e-cigarettes, including BAT, are promoting products in a way that attracts young people and non-smokers to use them. The transnational tobacco companies have a central role in introducing these products in Bangladesh and are doing so in a way that contributes to encouraging use among young people, undermines current tobacco control measures designed to protect the health of Bangladeshis, and puts corporate interests to control the e-cigarette market above evidence driven regulation of addictive products.

All the evidence together is an indication that the government should take decisive steps to curb these products and prevent the young generation and new users from becoming addicted, in order to protect the public health and wellbeing of Bangladesh and achieve a tobacco free future for the country. Based on our research, we present the following recommendations:

1. Production, import-export, promotion, marketing and consumption of e-cigarettes should be banned in Bangladesh as soon as possible through national legislation.
2. E-cigarette importation should be stopped immediately. The government should take effective steps to ensure that e-cigarettes are not imported under any other name, such as “electronic devices”.
3. Whether at the instigation of tobacco companies or otherwise, e-cigarette sales centers and other shops selling e-cigarettes should be stopped and surveillance activities should be adopted to enforce this.
4. CSR activities and events such as vaping festivals which encourage youth to vape should not be allowed.
5. Organizations that are speaking publicly in favor of e-cigarettes and encouraging people to vape by organizing events and presenting their arguments in favor of e-cigarettes to the government should be monitored.
6. The National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC) of Bangladesh must move for banning e-cigarettes and related products. The NTCC should raise awareness over the negative impact of e-cigarettes.
7. A separate committee or section should be formed under the NTCC to prevent the tobacco industry from expanding the e-cigarette market.

Reference

1. According to the latest census report published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) in 2022 (2022 Census: Bangladesh, a country of over 45 million youths, Daily Prothom Alo, 29 July 2022, Link: https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/o9i009reql)

2. Why banning the Sale of E-cigarettes and HTPs in Bangladesh (A publication jointly developed by Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance (BATA) and Tobacco Control and Research Cell (TCRC) of Dhaka International University following a series of workshops and research studies), p.6

3. https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/pm-hasina-hopes-to-make-bangladesh-tobacco-free-within-2040

4. Dhaka Tribune, 29 May 2021 (https://archive.dhakatribune.com/feature/2021/05/29/vaping-can-save-millions-of-lives-speakers-say-on-the-occasion-of-world-vape-day)

5. We are 100% sure about the quit big claim. We have the evidence to back this up. We have the voice recording in this regard.

6. https://www.newagebd.net/article/175103/bendsta-calls-for-scrapping-vape-ban-from-draft-tobacco-control-bill

7. https://voiceofvapersbd.com/sign-the-petition/?fbclid=IwAR2BZK1bysolOyqOq0N7N5K2CwRDo5g4NgtFRF43jyzlyPZiXGPMhtzGyIQ

8. The Business Standard, 27 June 2022 (https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/law-being-amended-ban-e-cigarettes-448170)

9. https://www.buyherenow.com.bd is an e-commerce site of e-cigarette, while https://vapestopglobal.com/bd/ and https://www.vapeshopbd.xyz/ are two other sites for sale of e-cigarette products. Many other such sites remain for e-cigarette business in Bangladesh.

10. E-cigar use reaches ‘alarming level’ in Bangladesh, Daily Bangladesh Post, 08 May 2022. (https://bangladeshpost.net/posts/e-cigar-use-reaches-alarming-level-in-bangladesh-85154)

11. Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) is a Dhaka-based leading non-government organization (NGO) established in 1958. Along with some other sectors, DAM also runs activities on health and public health sector, including the tobacco control activities. It carries out several research work on tobacco control. Dhaka Ahsania Mission wins Tobacco Control Award-2018 in Bangladesh.

12. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Bangladesh 2017, the rate of smokers over the age of 15 was 35.3%, totaling 37.8 million. The same GATS report says that the e-cigarette users were 0.2%. If 378 lakh or 37.8 million smokers are 35.3%, then 0.2% e-cigarette users will be more than 0.2 million or over two lakh. (http://bbs.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bbs.portal.gov.bd/page/57def76a_aa3c_46e3_9f80_53732eb94a83/Preliminary%20Report%20on%20GATS%20Bangladesh%202017.pdf)

13. Vaping rises as youths get addicted, Daily Independent, 28 December 2019,
(https://www.theindependentbd.com/post/229802)

14. Vaping rises as youths get addicted, Ibid

15. We found that BAT is expanding e-cigarette market by adopting various tactics as they are operating many outlets from behind the scene. We have got a list of the outlets. BAT and some other companies have developed lounges for e-cigarette users in various places and collaborated various restaurants for developing smoking zones.

16. Vaping rises as youths get addicted, Daily Independent, 28 December 2019,
(https://www.theindependentbd.com/post/229802)

17. This is the online site of BAT Bangladesh from where the giant tobacco company conducts publicity for e-cigarette- https://www.batbangladesh.com/group/sites/BAT_9T5FQ2.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DO9T5KLN

18. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Bangladesh 2017, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Planning, Bangladesh (http://bbs.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bbs.portal.gov.bd/page/57def76a_aa3c_46e3_9f80_53732eb94a83/Preliminary%20Report%20on%20GATS%20Bangladesh%202017.pdf)

19. The Business Standard, 5 October 2021 (https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/corporates/ban-e-cigarette-current-tobacco-control-act-needs-be-amended-311638

20. International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET), Volume: 8, Issue: IX, September 2020 (https://www.ijraset.com/fileserve.php?FID=31357)

21. TCRC is an anti-tobacco research body of Dhaka International University (DIU), a leading private university in Bangladesh. The TCRC carries out research work on tobacco control. The TCRC is a Union grantee.

22. https://www.who.int/news/item/05-02-2020-e-cigarettes-are-harmful-to-health

23. https://www.who.int/news/item/05-02-2020-e-cigarettes-are-harmful-to-health

24. https://www.thedailystar.net/world/e-cigarette-flavors-are-toxic-to-white-blood-cells-1528456

25. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Bangladesh 2017, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Planning, Bangladesh (http://bbs.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bbs.portal.gov.bd/page/57def76a_aa3c_46e3_9f80_53732eb94a83/Preliminary%20Report%20on%20GATS%20Bangladesh%202017.pdf)

26. Daily Prothom Alo, Ibid (https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/e-cigarettes-in-bangladesh-create-a-cloud-of-debate)

27. Daily Prothom Alo, Ibid (https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/e-cigarettes-in-bangladesh-create-a-cloud-of-debate)

28. E-cigarette Use Among University Students in Dhaka, Bangladesh (The study carried out in 2020 by DAM)

29. E-cigarette Use Among University Students in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Ibid

30. E-Cigarette: Threat of New dimension of Tobacco – Marketing, distribution and availability in Dhaka City (2019 study report of Tobacco Control and Research Cell of Dhaka International University)

31. The Business Standard, 22 June 2022 (https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/law-being-amended-ban-e-cigarettes-448170)

32. https://www.jti.com/sites/default/files/press-releases/documents/2018/JT-group-agrees-to-acquire-tobacco-business-of-akij-group-in-Bangladesh.pdf )

33. Why banning the Sale of E-cigarettes and HTPs in Bangladesh, Ibid, p.7

34. Some pictures provided in the report prove promotional activities for e-cigarette. Many online sites are opened for conducting promotional activities, while webinar and many other programmes are arranged in favour of e-cigarette. Links of some online sites and information of event arrangement came in some sections of the report.

35. Vaping rises as youths get addicted, Daily Independent, 28 December 2019, (https://www.theindependentbd.com/post/229802)

36. Daily Janakantha, November 1, 2022 (https://www.dailyjanakantha.com/national/news/668103)

37. Dhaka Tribune, 1 June 2017 https://archive.dhakatribune.com/business/economy/2017/06/01/e-cigarette-customs-duty-hike

38. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Bangladesh 2017, Ibid

39. Daily Prothom Alo, February 21, 2021 (https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/e-cigarettes-in-bangladesh-create-a-cloud-of-debate)

40. The list of shops where we paid visit and interviewed the sellers for field survey is mentioned in the Annexure-1. However, names of four shops were not include in the list as they wished for anonymity.

41. We found that 78% of the shops who began e-c-cigarette sale within five years, while no shops were found who began e-cigarette sale ten years ago. It proves that no e-cigarette shops in Dhaka city just a few years ago.

42. During our survey, we found that the 8-10 years old e-cigarette outlets in Gulshan and Banani areas, while e-cigarette outlets floated within five years were also found in other parts of the city. No ten-year old e-cigarette outlet was found outside Gulshan or Banani.

43. Bangladesh Post, May 8, 2022 (https://bangladeshpost.net/posts/e-cigar-use-reaches-alarming-level-in-bangladesh-85154)

44. E-Cigarette: Threat of New dimension of Tobacco – Marketing, distribution and availability in Dhaka City, Ibid

45. E-Cigarette: Threat of New dimension of Tobacco – Marketing, distribution and availability in Dhaka City, Ibid

46. Prof. Dr. Md. Habibe Millat, MP, Ban Designated Smoking Areas to Ensure a Tobacco-Free Environment, Daily Sun, 7 December 2021 (https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/592280/Ban-Designated-Smoking-Areas-to-Ensure-a-TobaccoFree-Environment)

47. During our visit to a BAT-run outlet named ‘Gloria Jean’s Coffees’ at Dhanmondi in Dhaka, we found BAT is using DSA in the outlet for promotional activities. Promotional photos were seen in the outlet. A photo of vaping device collected from here is mentioned in the report (section- Use). The photo was taken in October 2022.

48. Daily Manabzamin, 27 April 2022
(https://mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=325644&fbclid=IwAR2gU1M1kGo48ruxrZQ5Ur1slQlc9afBtap6kyporH8pyeCvGwyJsczbZis)

49. Daily Manabzamin, Ibid

50. Bangladesh Post, May 8, 2022(https://bangladeshpost.net/posts/e-cigar-use-reaches-alarming-level-in-bangladesh-85154)

51. E-cigarette Use Among University Students in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Ibid

52. https://vapestopglobal.com/bd/ (The website of VAPE AND E CIGARETTE SHOP ONLINE IN BANGLADESH. Global Head Office: Prime Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE. Country Head Office: D Block, Road 140, Gulshan South Avenue, Gulshan-1, Dhaka, Bangladesh)

53. VUSE is very popular e-cigarette brand of BAT. The giant tobacco company sells the VUSE products from its 39 outlets which run behind the scene and many other vaping shops in Bangladesh. BAT also carries out VUSE online shopping in Bangladesh, offering exciting vaping products. Two of the sites–https://www.buyherenow.com.bd/new-experience/store-locations and https://xclusivebrandsbd.com/vuse/

54. https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC56HHG#

55. https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC56HHG#

56. https://vapestopglobal.com/bd/, Ibid

57. https://vapestopglobal.com/bd/, Ibid

58. E- Cigarette: Threat of New dimension of Tobacco – Marketing, distribution and availability in Dhaka City, Ibid

59. The 15-29 years old people in Bangladesh are over one fourth of the total Bangladeshi population. Some giant tobacco companies, particularly the BAT, sell e-cigarette products by bringing consumers under registration through NID cards. However, the NID card is issued at the age of 18. So, although tobacco targets mainly youths, most of the e-cigarette users’ ages are over 18.

60. E- Cigarette: Threat of New dimension of Tobacco – Marketing, distribution and availability in Dhaka City, Ibid

61. https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/e-cigarettes-in-bangladesh-create-a-cloud-of-debate

62. Daily Janakantha, November 1, 2022 (https://www.dailyjanakantha.com/national/news/668103)

63. Daily Janakantha, November 1, 2022 (https://www.dailyjanakantha.com/national/news/668103)

64. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357971459_Social_Media_and_Social_Relationship_among_Youth_A_Changing_Pattern_and_Impacts_in_Bangladesh

65. https://napoleoncat.com/stats/facebook-users-in-bangladesh/2022/01/

66. E-cigarette Use Among University Students in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Ibid

67. A part of video of the Vaping Festival is attached and sent via e-mail.

68. Weblink of Voice of Vapers Bangladesh is https://voiceofvapersbd.com/

69. YouTube link of the webinar is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yilxri2Pu00

70. The tactful practice of bringing goods duty-free from abroad is known as ‘luggage party’. Almost all of the passengers those who bring goods in suitcases and supply these without going through any import formalities. The luggage party goods are brought in by passengers and airline crew in quantities within the duty-free limit, or sometimes beyond those amounts but without any duty. Travellers bring the goods saying they are for personal use or gifts as the passengers can carry different products on luggage not exceeding a fixed weight without paying any tax or duty.

71. We talked to the journalist- Kazi Sohagh and took his interview. We have a record of his interview.

72. Voice of Vapers Bangladesh is a platform of vape campaigners. The platform is backed by the Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Traders Association (BENDSTA), and official partner of the World Vapers’ Alliance along with 23 other member countries/organizations. BENDSTA was formed in 2020 by all major ENDS (vape) importers in Bangladesh.

73. Dhaka Tribune, 31 May 2022 (https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2022/05/31/experts-vaping-much-safer-alternative-to-smoking)

74. Dhaka Tribune, Ibid

75. YouTube link of the event- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yilxri2Pu00

76. Daily New Age, September 2, 2022 (https://www.newagebd.net/article/180025/tobacco-epidemic-to-worsen-without-safer-quit-smoking-tools-speakers)

77. Prof. Dr. Md. Habibe Millat, MP, Ban Designated Smoking Areas to Ensure a Tobacco-Free Environment, Daily Sun, 7 December 2021 (https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/592280/Ban-Designated-Smoking-Areas-to-Ensure-a-TobaccoFree-Environment)

78. The list of BAT-run 39 outlets is mentioned in ‘Annexure-2’

79. https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC56HHG

80. https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC6NC5F

81. https://www.batbangladesh.com/group/sites/BAT_9T5FQ2.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOBVMFZB

82. The documents and video and audio records in this regard are preserved with us.

83. https://www.vapesuperstore.co.uk/collections/vuse#:~:text=Previously%20known%20as%20Vype%20in,and%20refill%20cartridges%20since%202013.

84. https://www.vaporcloud.com.bd/collection/33649

85. Firstly, because BAT is not directly selling e-cigarettes publicly and is selling e-cigarettes through third party using licensed shops under other names, so BAT is using the outlets without authorization. Secondly, selling e-cigarette products without money receipt is illegal. However, we found out that they are operating various outlets without getting permission to sell e-cigarettes. Meanwhile, the e-cigarette is not allowed in any law.

86. The Business Standard, 05 July, 2021 (https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/japan-tobaccos-huge-fdi-cant-find-footing-bangladesh-270754)

87. Daily Star, January 24, 2022 (https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906)

88. The Business Standard, 05 July, 2021 (https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/japan-tobaccos-huge-fdi-cant-find-footing-bangladesh-270754)

89. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-akij-m-a-japan-tobacco-idUSKBN1KR0O1

90. Daily Star, January 24, 2022 (https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906)

91. https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2021/11/29/industry-interference-threatening-bangladeshs-tobacco-free-goal-study

92. Dhaka Tribune May 31, 2022 (https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2022/05/31/experts-vaping-much-safer-alternative-to-smoking).

93. Formed in 2020, the BENDSTA is a platform represented by all major ENDS (vape) importers in Bangladesh. BENDSTA supports the vape trade and promotes the industry, vapers, policymakers, and the general public.

94. Daily Prothom Alo, 21 February 2021 (https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/e-cigarettes-in-bangladesh-create-a-cloud-of-debate)

95. Daily Prothom Alo, 21 February 2021, Ibid

96. Daily Prothom Alo, 21 February 2021, Ibid

97. Rabiul Alam, Why don’t we give consumers a choice?, risingbd.com, 10 March 2021 (https://www.risingbd.com/english/campus/news/78042)

98. Rabiul Alam, Why don’t we give consumers a choice?,Ibid

99. Daily Independent, 8 November 2019 (https://www.theindependentbd.com/printversion/details/222808)

100. E- Cigarette: Threat of New dimension of Tobacco – Marketing, distribution and availability in Dhaka City, Ibid

101. We have the evidence. We talked to a responsible person of the anti-tobacco platform in this regard. However, we have a copy of the statement which was issued protesting the letters. Picture of the statement is mentioned in the report.

102. https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/health/necessary-steps-will-be-taken-ban-e-cigarettes-304816

103. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=1aKlCYGJN4c&feature=share

104. https://voiceofvapersbd.com/sign-the-petition/?fbclid=IwAR2BZK1bysolOyqOq0N7N5K2CwRDo5g4NgtFRF43jyzlyPZiXGPMhtzGyIQ

105. Daily Protidiner Bangladesh, April 13, 2020 (https://www.protidinersangbad.com/whole-country/214354/)

106. The Business Post, March 31, 2022 (https://businesspostbd.com/front/5g-plans-afoot-but-4g-penetrations-still-lower-2022-03-31)

107. Daily Financial Express, May 14, 2022 (https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/government-should-divest-investment-from-tobacco-companies-1652528720)

108. E-Cigarette: Threat of New dimension of Tobacco – Marketing, distribution and availability in Dhaka City, Ibid

109. Daily Manabzamin, February 28, 2022 (https://mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=317468)

110. https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/tobacco-companies-exploit-csr-programmes-interfere-tobacco-control-activities-report-2002605

111. Daily Manabzamin, February 28, 2022 (https://mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=317468)

112. https://barta24.com/details/national-en/166195/a-better-tomorrow

113. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=929bJYLzBUc

114. We prepared a list of leading tobacco companies those who get trademark registration. The list attached and given through e-mail.

115. Daily Prothom Alo, 21 February 2021 (https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/e-cigarettes-in-bangladesh-create-a-cloud-of-debate)

116. The list of tobacco companies that have imported e-cigarettes in the last few years and who have registered to import is attached and given through e-mail.

117. The Business Standard, 31 May 2020 (https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/health/11-organisations-demand-ban-e-cigarette-87172)

118. Daily Bangladesh Post, 01 June 2020 (https://www.bangladeshpost.net/posts/11-organisations-demand-ban-on-e-cigarette-34393)

119. Daily Bangladesh Post, 8 March 2021 (https://bangladeshpost.net/posts/mps-urge-pm-to-ban-e-cigarettes-55513)

 

 

Annexure-1

Visits were paid to shops during investigation and interviewed of sellers

SL	Outlet Name	Address	Sale of Brands
1.	Vape In (Gulshan)	Unicorn Plaza, Gulshan-2, Dhaka
2.	Vape In (Dhanmondi)	Shop-36, Happy Arcade Shopping Mall, Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi-3.	Caliburn, SXmini, VOOPOO, DRAG Max
3.	Smoke World	Shop No. 101, New Super Market, Dhaka	Caliburn, iStick Pico, Lite-40, HC, SX
4.	Premium Vape Store	154, Arambagh, Dhaka
5.	Vape Goodies	Baily Pitha Ghar (4th), Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229.
6.	Vapor Cloud (Dhanmondi)	Shop-422, AR Plaza, House-2, Road-14, Dhaka-1209.	VUSE, VOOPOO, Vaporesso
7.	Vapor Cloud (Gulshan)	Alam Arcade (5th Floor), Madani Avenue, Gulshan, Dhaka-1212	VUSE
8.	Vape Adda (Badda)	7/A, Aftabnagar, Badda, Dhaka.
9.	Vape Adda (Khilgaon)	Shop-25, 1st Floor, Paka Masjid Market Complex, Khilgaon, Dhaka.
10.	Vape Squad	Shop-455, Level-3, Orchard Point, Dhanmoni, Dhaka	VUSE, SMOK, VOOPOO, Tobac King, Caliburn A2, SXmini
11.	Vapor World	Level-3, Anam Rangs Plaza, H-61, Rd No. 6/A, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1209	VUSE, SX, SMOK, VOOPOO, Caliburn, Jellybox, Vapor Cloud
12.	Vape Corner	202, New Super Market (3rd Floor), Dhaka	HC, Vapor SMOK, Lite-40, SMOK
13.	Vape Culture	Shop-37, Alta Plaza, 10 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1209	VUSE, Lost Vape, Ripe Vape
14.	Vape Company	House No, 12/A, Road-8, Dhaka 1212	VUSE
15.	Vape Shop MX13	109, New Market (2nd Floor), Dhaka	Vapoor, HE, Caliburn, iStick Pico, Vapor Cloud
16.	AVS Vapor	Level-4, Shop-455, Orchad Point, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.	GEEK Vape, XROS Nano, AEGIS, Sxmixi, Caliburn
17.	Vapor Shopr (Shantinagar)	Shop-411, Twin Tower Concord Shopping Complex, Shanti Nagar, Dhaka-1217	VUSE
18.	Eternal Vape BD	Shop No, A-10, Navana Tower, Gulshan-1, Dhaka.
19.	E-Clouds	Shop-22, 4th Floor, Mirpur DOHS, Dhaka-1216	Vapengin, VOOPOO, Caliburn, Vapor Cloud
20.	Vape Venture BD	243, Concept Tower, 68-69, Green Road, Dhaka-1205	VOOPOO, Caliburn, Vellybox
21.	Vape Club BD	Shop-4, Happy Arcade Shopping Mall (1st Floor), Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi-3, Dhaka.	VOOPOO, Calibur, Jellybox, Vapor Cloud, SXmini
22.	Vapor Cottage	Shop-39, Happy Arcade Shopping Mall, (2nd Floor), Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi-3, Dhaka.	Caliburn, Vaporesso, VOOPOO, DROP, Thelema Solo
23.	Vape Shop Sky (VSS BD)	2nd Floor, C 4, C 5, Central Plaza, Mirpur-10, Dhaka.	Jellybox, iStick Pico, Vapor Cloud, Caliburn, Bigbox Mini, VOOPOO
24.	King Off Vape	7, New Super Market, 3rd Floor, Dhaka	Caliburn, Vapor, SMOK, Lite-40
25.	The Vape Cafe (Dhanmondi)	Shop-247, Shimanto Square Mall, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205.	VUSE, Caliburn, The Icma, Jellybox, Zipmmi, VOOPOO, SX
26.	Zero Vape	Shop-421, Metro Shopping Mall, Dhanmondi-32, Dhaka 1209.	VUSE, VOOPOO, SMOK
27.	Vape Store	Level-3, Anam Rangs Plaza, H-61, Rd No. 6/A, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.	VUSE
28.	Vape Sky	Mohammadia Market (3rd Floor), Mirpur, Dhaka
29.	Vape Circle BD	Shop-15/F, Level-6, Fortune Shopping Mall, Mouchak, Dhaka-1217	VUSE
30.	Vapes Shop BD (Dhanmondi)	Anam Rangs Plaza, H-61, Rd No. 6/A, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1209	Caliburn A2, SXmini, Thelema, VOOPOO
31.	Vapes Shop BD (Khilgaon)	Goran, Khilgaon, Dhaka	SMOK
32.	Asia Vape Shop	103, Motalib Plaza, Hatirpool, Dhaka-1205.	Lite 40, Caliburn, HC, Vapor Cloud, Vapor Smoke, VOOPOO, SX
33.	VANAS	116, Motalib Plaza, Hatirpool, Dhaka-1205.	JACOB, Lite-40, Caliburn, HC, Vapor Cloud, VOOPOO, SMOK
34.	The Vape Shop	145, Cosmos Plaza, Shantinagar, Dhaka
35.	Vape City BD	K-23 (1st Floor), Kazi Nazrul Islam Road, Dhaka-1207.	Litc 40, HC, SX, Caliburn, Vapor Cloud, VOOPOO
36.	Vape Society	Level-7, Saimon Point, Jagannathpur, Bashundhara Rd, Dhaka
37.	Cloud & Vape	Eastern Plaza, 145, Shantinagar, Dhaka
38.	Vapon Square	J & J Moriom House, 3rd Flood, Dhanmondi, Dhaka
39.	China Gift Corner	107 (2nd Floor), New Super Market, Dhaka-1205	Lite-40, HC, Lost Vape, Vapor, Vapor Cloud
40.	SN Jent’s Collection	3rd Floor, New Super Market, Dhaka-1205	Lite 40, HC, Vapor Cloud, Vapor Smoke, Caliburn
41.	Vapon Heaven	Shop-424, Twin Tower Shopping Mall, Shantinagar, Dhaka
42.	Vape Illusion BD	Circle Ambia Point, 315, DIT Road, Dhaka
43.	Vapon Shopr	Mohammadia Super Market, 2nd Floor, Mirpur, Dhaka	Jam Monster, SMOK
44.	Vape Squad	Shop-450, Level-3, Orchard Point
45.	Vape Shop BD	TF-6, Anam Rangg Plaza,
46.	Bhuiyan Gallery	Shop-14, New Super Market, Dhaka-1205	Vapor Cloud, Vapor, SMOK, HC, Lite-40

Annexure-2

E-cigarette brand VUSE products are sold by BAT in the following locations

Outlet Name	Address
BUY HERE NOW (Online shop)	https://www.buyherenow.com.bd
Vape Goodies	4th floor, Baily Pitha Ghar, Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229.
The Vape Café (Niketon, Gulshan),	Block#C, Rd#7, H#30, Niketan, Gulshan
The Vape Cafe (Dhanmondi)	Shop#247, Shimanto Square Mall, Dhanmondi
Vapor Cloud (Gulshan)	5th Floor, Alam Arcade, 1212 Madani Avenue, Dhaka 1212
Vapor Cloud (Banani)	Hakam Foundation, 2nd floor, House 98, Road 11, Block C, Banani, Dhaka 1213
Vapor Cloud (Dhanmondi)	Plaza AR, House 2, Road 14, Shop 422, Dhaka 1209
Vapor Hub (Banani)	Block H, House #71 Road-12, Dhaka 1212
Vapor Hub (Mirpur)	Block B, 10 Avenue 1, Dhaka 1216
Vapor Hub (Dhanmondi)	4, Tallabag Mohammadia Super Market, Sobjanbag, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1207
Vape Culture	1, Alta Plaza, Shop-37, Dhanmondi, 10 Mirpur Rd, Dhaka 1209
Vape Company	House No, 12/A Road-8, Dhaka 1212
Vapor Circle BD	Shop-15/F, Level-6, Fortune Shopping Mall Shopping Mall Dhaka, 1217
Evolution Vapes	Banani Block I, Rd No 1, House-59, (Eastern side of Chairman bari Math Apartment C 1 Dhaka, 1212
Vapor World	61 Anam Rangs Plaza, Rd No. 6A, Dhaka 1209
Gulshan Vape House	House-9 Rd 35, Dhaka 1212
Vapor Hunter	House No: 5, Road No: 20, Sector No: 3, Uttara, Dhaka, 1230
Zero Vape	Shop- 421, Metro Shopping Mall, Dhanmondi-32, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1209
Vapor Shopr (Uttara)	House-18, level 2, Road-1, Sector- 3 Jasimuddin Ave, Main Road, Dhaka 1230
Vapor Shopr (Shantinagar)	Shop#411, Twin Tower Concord Shopping Complex, 1217 Shanti Nagar Rd, Dhaka
Vapor Shopr (Banani)	House # 09 Road #17 Block, #E, Dhaka 1230
Vapor Shopr (Dhanmondi)	Mohammadia Super Market, Shop No 125-126, 2nd Floor, Sobhanbag Rd, Dhaka 1215
Crimson Cup (Gulshan)	138 East Gulshan 1, Dhaka
Crimson Cup (Banani)	Banani, Dhaka
Crimson Cup (Dhanmondi)	Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Crimson Cup (Gulshan) Gulshan	Gulshan, Dhaka
Gloria Jean’s Coffees	Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Gulshan 1	Gulshan 1, Dhaka
Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Gulshan 2	Gulshan 2, Dhaka
Gusto & Trouvaille	Uttara, Dhaka
Loki HoReCa	Banani, Dhaka
AJO Idea Space	Uttara, Dhaka
Man Mo	Gulshan 2, Dhaka
Villa Azur	Banani, Dhaka
Cilantro	Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Crimson Cup Bashundhara	Bashundhara, Dhaka
Bosphorus	Gulshan, Dhaka
Todos Santos	Gulshan, Dhaka
Lavendar OG	27 North CA, Faisal Tower, Gulshan 2, Dhaka -1212

Ends