E-cigarettes pose health risks, not a safe alternative to smoking: Experts

A recent online consultation session organized by Prothom Alo Trust on April 22, 2026, addressed the public health implications of e-cigarettes. The event, held at Prothom Alo's office in Karwan Bazar, was the 177th such session aimed at providing free anti-drug advisory support. Dr. Sardar Atiq, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Bangladesh Medical University, provided expert advice during the meeting. The session's topic, 'E-cigarette: Public Health Risk or Alternative?', explored the debated role of these products. Dr. Atiq firmly stated that e-cigarettes, or vaping, are not a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes nor a viable tool for quitting smoking. He emphasized the need for an unwavering stance against all forms of smoking, including e-cigarettes. Comparing it to substituting rice with potatoes, he argued against promoting e-cigarettes as a healthier option. Dr. Atiq concluded that e-cigarettes cannot be considered 'halal' or safe, as any form of smoking ultimately leads to harm, whether from conventional cigarettes or their electronic counterparts.