Dhaka, April 11 -- The passage of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage Control (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Parliament, which removes the provision banning e-cigarettes, vapes and nicotine pouches, has sparked serious concern among public health experts and anti-tobacco organisations.

The amendment effectively allows these emerging tobacco products to enter the market without what experts describe as adequate regulatory safeguards, raising fears about increased health risks, particularly among young people.

Public health advocates say the decision contradicts a directive issued by the Appellate Division on March 1, 2016 (Civil Appeal No. 204-205/2001), which instructed the government to take steps to reduce tobacco use within a reasonable...