Promoting a Healthier Bangladesh with Regulated Tobacco Harm Reduction Alternatives
BENDSTA stands at the forefront of tobacco harm reduction (THR) advocacy, supporting Bangladesh’s move towards safer nicotine alternatives like vaping. Join us as we work towards creating accessible, scientifically-backed alternatives to smoking that benefit both health and economy
Towards a Healthier Bangladesh
Embracing Tobacco Harm Reduction and Vaping Solutions
We envision a healthier Bangladesh through the responsible integration of THR solutions, including ENDS products. Our mission is to work collaboratively with policymakers, industry, and health experts to ensure a future where adult smokers can choose safer alternatives, supporting a reduction in tobacco-related diseases and deaths. A future where Bangladesh recognizes vaping as a sector in its own right, governed by transparent, science-based policies that support both public health and economic growth. BENDSTA strives to create a regulatory framework that meets the needs of the Tobacco Harm Reduction industry and its stakeholders, providing safer alternatives from the death trap of traditional tobacco use.
Mission
To support the availability, responsible regulation, and public understanding of scientifically validated harm reduction products in Bangladesh, creating a safer, healthier society.
Vision
A future where Bangladesh is tobacco-free, with access to safer, regulated alternatives that improve health outcomes and reduce smoking-related harm.
About Us
Founded in 2020, BENDSTA (Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Traders Association) was created to support a regulated, responsible approach to tobacco harm reduction in Bangladesh. Recognizing the harm caused by traditional tobacco products, our members united to advocate for safer alternatives, engaging policymakers, health professionals, and the public to establish BENDSTA as a prominent representative in this field.
Market Insights
Market Size & Economic Impact:
While the exact valuation of Bangladesh’s ENDS market is undetermined due to limited formal market assessments,While precise current valuation figures are challenging to determine, it’s estimated that Bangladesh’s vaping market has grown significantly, reaching hundreds of millions in local currency due to the increasing demand for safer alternatives to traditional tobacco. It is projected to grow annually by 1.99% from 2024 to 2029 due to increased awareness and demand for safer alternatives. The ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems) or vaping industry in Bangladesh, though still emerging, has shown notable growth since its introduction in 2012. The industry includes over 500,000 users and operates through 600+ retail outlets, managed by approximately 200 individual traders. This sector supports over 2,000 middle-class jobs, contributing to the national economy through VAT and taxes and providing stability for small and medium enterprises involved in the import, retail, and distribution of ENDS products.
Bangladesh’s ENDS industry presents substantial potential for economic growth, particularly if regulated responsibly to balance public health benefits with economic contributions. Adopting a regulatory framework like that of other countries could further boost its market size and contribute significant revenue through controlled taxation and industry growth.
Providing Safer Alternatives from the Death Trap of Traditional Tobacco Use
Traditional tobacco use remains a significant cause of preventable death worldwide, often described as a “death trap” due to its association with severe health issues like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. In response, public health organizations and harm reduction advocates promote safer alternatives, such as Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), to offer adult smokers a less harmful option.
The Royal College of Physicians emphasizes that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking. In its report, “Nicotine Without Smoke: Tobacco Harm Reduction,” the organization concludes that ENDS products can significantly reduce smokers’ exposure to the harmful toxins found in burnt tobacco. Royal College of Physicians Report
Additionally, Public Health England supports ENDS as a harm reduction tool, stating in its “E-cigarettes: An Evidence Update” that vaping is “at least 95% less harmful than smoking.” This evidence-based perspective underscores vaping’s effectiveness in reducing smokers’ exposure to carcinogens and harmful chemicals associated with tobacco. Public Health England Evidence Update
Through BENDSTA’s advocacy, integrating these safer alternatives provides a practical solution for smokers in Bangladesh, helping them transition away from traditional tobacco and supporting public health objectives.
Role in Smoking Cessation
Vaping, or the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), has emerged as a modern alternative to traditional smoking, providing nicotine without the harmful byproducts of burning tobacco. Unlike conventional cigarettes, which produce harmful tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of toxic chemicals, vaping involves heating a liquid—usually containing nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings—to create a vapor that the user inhales.
Benefits and Harm Reduction
Public health organizations, including Public Health England, assert that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking, with studies indicating a reduction of at least 95% of the health risks associated with cigarettes. This reduced risk profile makes vaping an effective tool for Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), offering smokers a safer alternative and supporting their transition away from traditional tobacco.
Role in Smoking Cessation
Vaping has proven successful as a quitting aid, with research showing it can be more effective than other nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and gum. The NHS, for instance, highlights vaping’s high success rate for smoking cessation when used with professional support. Vaping also closely mimics the physical sensation of smoking, which helps users manage both the physical and behavioral aspects of nicotine dependence.
Global Perspectives and Regulation
Globally most of the countries have implemented regulatory frameworks that support vaping as a
harm reduction tool while maintaining controls to prevent youth access. These policies aim to strike
a balance between public health interests and the rights of adult smokers to access safer alternatives.
These countries showcase successful ENDS regulations that help smokers transition to less harmful
products and protect public health, providing a model for how Bangladesh could integrate ENDS
into its health strategy
United Kingdom
The UK promotes vaping for harm reduction, with the National Health Service (NHS) citing that vaping is "at least 95% less harmful than smoking." Strict advertising limits, product safety standards, and public health campaigns help smokers transition to safer alternatives, lowering the national smoking rate. [NHS Vaping Myths and Facts]
New Zealand
New Zealand regulates ENDS to support its “Smokefree 2025” target. With consumer safety, age restrictions, and advertising regulations, New Zealand has achieved a reduction in smoking rates while limiting youth uptake. [New Zealand Ministry of Health]
Canada
Canada’s Tobacco and Vaping Products Act promotes ENDS as a harm reduction tool, requiring health warnings, product safety measures, and youth access restrictions to balance public health objectives with consumer access. [Health Canada]
France
Through strict rules and safety standards, France promotes vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, contributing to national smoking rate reductions. Public Health France also endorses ENDS as part of its public health strategies. [Public Health France]
South Africa
South Africa’s regulated ENDS approach includes quality control and age restrictions, illustrating how harm reduction policies can support public health in developing nations. [South African Department of Health]
Sweden
Known for its successful harm reduction framework, Sweden includes ENDS within its policies, balancing access for adult smokers with stringent advertising restrictions. This model has contributed to one of Europe’s lowest smoking rates. [Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction Sweden]
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Market Insights
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While the exact valuation of Bangladesh’s ENDS market is undetermined due to limited formal market assessments,While precise current valuation figures are challenging to determine, it’s estimated that Bangladesh’s vaping market has grown significantly,
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