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 National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka.
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 are 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.
Besides, 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 found 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 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 specialised tobacco-product shops, 31 percent from friends or colleagues and 13.8 percent through online stores.
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.
Zahir Uddin Swapon, MP, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Planning, was the chief guest.
In his speech, Zahir Uddin Swapon said effective measures are 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 are 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.