5.5pc of Bangladeshi youth use emerging nicotine products

About 5.5 per cent of Bangladeshi youth aged 18 to 24 are currently using emerging tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs) and nicotine pouches, according to a new study.

The findings, presented on Thursday, also showed that peer pressure, retail outlets and social media platforms are playing a significant role in exposing young people to the products.

The study, titled “Emerging Tobacco Product Use Among Bangladeshi Youth,” was unveiled at a dissemination event organised by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka.

The study examined the use, accessibility, reasons for using and exposure to marketing of emerging tobacco and nicotine products among young people. Researchers collected data through an online survey conducted between March and July 2025 involving 524 respondents aged 18 to 24. Of them, 78.2 per cent were male and 21.8 per cent female.

E-cigarettes were the most commonly used emerging tobacco product, with 4.6 per cent of respondents currently using them. Nicotine pouches were being used by 1.3 per cent, while 0.8 per cent reported using HTPs. Use was substantially higher among male respondents.

While 34.4 per cent of male participants had used at least one of the products during their lifetime, the corresponding figure among female participants was 5.3 per cent.

The study also found a strong association between conventional cigarette smoking and the use of emerging tobacco products.

Among current conventional cigarette smokers, 15.4 per cent were using emerging tobacco or nicotine products, compared with 1.6 per cent among those who were not current cigarette smokers. Peer influence emerged as one of the leading reasons for current use. Among current users, 37.9 per cent cited social or peer pressure as a reason for using the products.

Another 34.5 per cent said they used them to reduce their conventional tobacco use or as an alternative, while 31 per cent said they preferred the nicotine level offered by the products.

Access through retail outlets and online platforms was also prominent.
Among current users, 37.9 per cent said they obtained the products from vape or specialised tobacco-product shops, while 31 per cent obtained them from friends or colleagues and 13.8 per cent through online stores.

Social media was also identified as an important source of exposure to marketing. Among respondents who had seen advertisements for the products, 89 per cent reported exposure on Facebook, followed by Instagram at 34.9 per cent and YouTube at 23.9 per cent.

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, attended as chief guest.

Zahir Uddin Swapon 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.

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 were less harmful or could help people quit tobacco, he said their promotion through social media and retail outlets was a warning sign for public health.

The study recommended stronger 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 the products online and through social media.