E-cigarettes are not 'halal' and pose public health risks, experts say
An online anti-drug counseling session organized by Prothom Alo Trust on April 22, 2026, addressed the public health risks of e-cigarettes. The session, held at Prothom Alo's Karwan Bazar office, featured Dr. Sardar Atiq, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Bangladesh Medical University, as a consultant. Dr. Atiq emphasized that e-cigarettes should not be promoted as a safe alternative to traditional smoking. He likened promoting e-cigarettes to suggesting potatoes as a substitute for rice, implying it is not a simple dietary change but a harmful one. Dr. Atiq firmly stated that e-cigarettes should be rejected, just like conventional cigarettes, as they offer no safe alternative. He stressed that any form of harm from smoking, whether from traditional or electronic cigarettes, remains harmful. The session highlighted the role of awareness advocates in maintaining a strong stance against all forms of smoking. The core message conveyed was that e-cigarettes carry significant public health risks and should not be considered a permissible or safe option.
This event underscores the ongoing global debate surrounding the regulation and perception of e-cigarettes. While proponents often frame them as a harm-reduction tool for smokers, public health officials and medical professionals, as represented by Dr. Atiq, maintain a stance that emphasizes their inherent risks and lack of proven safety. The 'halal' analogy, while culturally specific, highlights a moral and ethical dimension in public health messaging, suggesting that even if not explicitly forbidden, the potential for harm makes them unacceptable from a public well-being perspective. The discussion points to a systemic challenge: balancing individual autonomy and potential cessation benefits against the broader public health implications, particularly concerning youth uptake and long-term health consequences. Future regulatory approaches will likely grapple with these competing interests, navigating the complex interplay of industry influence, scientific evidence, and public health imperatives in the evolving landscape of nicotine consumption.
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