Pass the draft law to ban e-cigarettes: Biren Shikder

Biren Shikder, MP (Magura-2), Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Planning Ministry of National Parliament and former Minister of State for Youth and Sports Ministry, said that there are many misconceptions about e-cigarettes in our country. But it is just as harmful as other tobacco products. That is why e-cigarettes should be banned by law.

He thanked the Ministry of Health for banning e-cigarettes in the proposed draft amendments to the Tobacco Control Act. He expressed hope that the Prime Minister's dream of making the country tobacco-free by 2040 would be realized if the draft law is passed quickly.

He urged all concerned parties to come forward for this.

Biren Shikder made this call during a courtesy meeting with a delegation of Dhaka Ahsania Mission's tobacco control project at NAM Bhaban in the capital on Monday (September 26) afternoon.

Media Manager Rezaur Rahman Rizvi and Program Officer Sharmin Akhter Rini were in the delegation led by Md Shariful Islam, Coordinator of Tobacco Control Project of Dhaka Ahsania Mission. The delegation informed Biren Shikder, MP about the various activities of the Dhaka Ahsania Mission on Tobacco Control.

Biren Shikder, said cigarette companies encourage young people to smoke for their own benefit. But it is a deadly product. Because there is no benefit from smoking; non-smokers are equally harmed by passive smoking. My position has always been anti-tobacco. My anti-tobacco stance will remain strong in the future.

Meanwhile, the delegation seeks his support regarding the passage of the draft law prepared by the Ministry of Health for the further amendment of the Tobacco Control Act in the National Parliament. Biren Shikder, MP congratulated the delegation for their activities and assured necessary cooperation.