Dhaka: 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, according to a new study. The findings were revealed on Thursday at a dissemination event organised by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka.
According to United News of Bangladesh, 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. Data was collected 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 emerged as the most commonly used emerging tobacco product, with 4.6 percent of respondents currently using them. Meanwhile, 1.3 percent are using nicotine pouches, and 0.8 percent were using heated tobacco products. The study found that the use of emerging tobacco and nicotine products was substantially higher among male respondents. While 34.4 percent of male participants used at least one of these products in their lifetime, the corresponding figure among female participants was 5.3 percent.
The study also highlighted a strong relationship between conventional cigarette smoking and the use of emerging tobacco products. Among current conventional cigarette smokers, 15.4 percent are using emerging tobacco and nicotine products, compared with only 1.6 percent among those who were not current cigarette smokers. Peer influence was identified as a leading reason for using these products, with 37.9 percent citing social or peer pressure as a driver. Additionally, 34.5 percent said they used the products to reduce their use of conventional tobacco products or as an alternative, while 31 percent preferred the nicotine level offered by these products.
The role of retail outlets and online platforms in providing access to these products was also noted. Among current users, 37.9 percent obtained the products from vape or specialised tobacco-product shops, 31 percent from friends or colleagues, and 13.8 percent through online stores. Facebook was the most commonly reported source of exposure to product advertisements, 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 the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh. Zahir Uddin Swapon, MP, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Planning, served as the chief guest. In his speech, Swapon emphasised the need for effective measures to prevent the spread of emerging tobacco and nicotine products and protect young people from nicotine addiction. He warned that the easy availability and marketing of e-cigarettes, HTPs, and nicotine pouches could pose new risks for youth.
Professor Dr. Khandaker Abdul Awal Rizvi highlighted the use of various marketing strategies to make emerging tobacco and nicotine products attractive to young people. He expressed concerns over claims that e-cigarettes are less harmful or can help people quit tobacco, noting that marketing through social media and retail outlets poses 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 and regulation of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. It also called for the introduction of health warnings and taxation, as well as restrictions on product displays at retail outlets and the promotion of these products online and through social media.