Around 5.5 percent of Bangladeshi youth aged 18 to 24 are currently using emerging tobacco and nicotine products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs) and nicotine pouches, while 28.1 percent have used at least one of these products at some point in their lives, according to a new study.
The findings were revealed today at a dissemination event organised by National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka, according to a press statement.
The study, titled “Emerging Tobacco Product Use Among Bangladeshi Youth,” examined the use, access, reasons for use and exposure to marketing of these products among young people.
The study collected data through an online survey conducted between March and July 2025, involving 524 young people aged 18 to 24. Of the respondents, 78.2 percent were male and 21.8 percent were female.
E-cigarettes were found to be the most commonly used emerging tobacco product, with 4.6 percent of respondents currently using them. Meanwhile, 1.3 percent were using nicotine pouches and 0.8 percent were using heated tobacco products.
The use of emerging tobacco and nicotine products was substantially higher among male respondents. While 34.4 percent of male participants had used at least one of these products in their lifetime, the corresponding figure among female participants was 5.3 percent.
The study also found a strong relationship between conventional cigarette smoking and the use of emerging tobacco products. Among current conventional cigarette smokers, 15.4 percent were using emerging tobacco and nicotine products, compared with only 1.6 percent among those who were not current cigarette smokers.
Peer influence emerged as one of the leading reasons for using these products. Among current users, 37.9 percent cited social or peer pressure as a reason. Another 34.5 percent said they used the products to reduce their use of conventional tobacco products or as an alternative to them, while 31 percent said they preferred the nicotine level offered by the products.
The study also highlighted the role of retail outlets and online platforms in making the products accessible to young people. Among current users, 37.9 percent reported obtaining the products from vape or specialized tobacco-product shops, 31 percent from friends or colleagues and 13.8 percent through online stores.
Only 24.1 percent of current users said they were asked to provide proof of age when purchasing the products, raising concerns about the enforcement of age restrictions.
Young people were also exposed to marketing of emerging tobacco and nicotine products through various channels. About 26 percent of respondents reported seeing advertisements at shops or points of sale, while 20.8 percent reported exposure through social media and 13.2 percent through other channels.
Among social media platforms, Facebook was the most commonly reported source of exposure, with 89 percent of respondents who had seen such advertisements reporting exposure on the platform. Instagram and YouTube followed, with 34.9 percent and 23.9 percent respectively.
The event was chaired by Professor Dr Khandaker Abdul Awal Rizvi, President of National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh. The chief guest was Zahir Uddin Swapon, MP, Political Adviser to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Planning.
The special guests included Dr. Abu Mansur Sakhawat Hassan, MP; Sharf Uddin Ahmed Choudhury, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Jute; and Dr. Mahin Malik, Regional Director, South Asia Programs, CTFK, Sheikh Momena Moni, Additional Secretary, Health Division; and A.N.M. Moinul Islam, Additional Secretary, Hospital Division, Health Services Division, Policymakers, researchers, public health experts and tobacco-control stakeholders also attended the event.
In his speech, Zahir Uddin Swapon, MP, said effective measures were needed to prevent the spread of emerging tobacco and nicotine products and protect young people from nicotine addiction.
He said the easy availability and marketing of e-cigarettes, HTPs and nicotine pouches could create new risks for young people. He added that the study findings would be important for strengthening tobacco-control policies and called for coordinated action by all relevant stakeholders.
Dr Abu Mansur Sakhawat Hasan, MP, said tobacco and nicotine products pose serious risks to public health and that their use among young people increases the risk of nicotine addiction. He stressed the need for effective regulation of the availability, sale, advertising and promotion of these products, alongside coordinated efforts involving families, educational institutions, the media and policymakers.
Professor Dr Khandaker Abdul Awal Rizvi said various marketing strategies were being used to make emerging tobacco and nicotine products attractive to young people. Referring to claims that e-cigarettes are less harmful or can help people quit tobacco, he said the marketing of such products through social media and retail outlets was a warning sign for public health.
The study recommended strengthening regulations on e-cigarettes, HTPs and nicotine pouches, including strict enforcement of age restrictions at points of sale, regulation of advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and the introduction of health warnings and taxation. It also called for restrictions on product displays at retail outlets and the promotion of these products online and through social media.
The welcome address was delivered by Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research at National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute. Dr Aruna Sarker, Coordinator of the Tobacco Control Program, presented the study findings