5.5pc of BD youths use emerging tobacco products: Study

Around 5.5 percent 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, while 28.1 percent have used at least one of these products in their lifetime, according to a new study.

The findings were presented at a dissemination event organised by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Titled “Emerging Tobacco Product Use among Bangladeshi Youth,” the study examined usage patterns, accessibility, reasons for use and exposure to marketing among young people.

The study was based on an online survey conducted between March and July 2025 among 524 respondents aged 18 to 24. Of them, 78.2 percent were male and 21.8 percent female. 

E-cigarettes were the most commonly used product, with 4.6 percent of respondents reporting current use. The rates were 1.3 percent for nicotine pouches and 0.8 percent for HTPs.

Use was significantly higher among males. While 34.4 percent of male respondents had used at least one emerging tobacco product in their lifetime, the figure was 5.3 percent among females.

The study found a strong association between conventional cigarette smoking and emerging tobacco use. Among current cigarette smokers, 15.4 percent were using emerging tobacco or nicotine products, compared with 1.6 percent among non-smokers.

Peer influence was the leading reported reason for use, cited by 37.9 percent of current users. Another 34.5 percent said they used the products to reduce or replace conventional tobacco use, while 31 percent cited preference for the nicotine level. Vape or specialised tobacco shops were the most common source of purchase, reported by 37.9 percent of current users. Friends or colleagues accounted for 31 percent, while 13.8 percent obtained the products through online stores. Only 24.1 percent said they had been asked to provide proof of age when purchasing the products, raising concerns about enforcement of age restrictions.

Marketing exposure was also widespread. About 26 percent of respondents had seen advertisements at shops or points of sale, while 20.8 percent encountered them on social media. Among those exposed through social media, Facebook was the most common platform (89 percent), followed by Instagram (34.9 percent) and YouTube (23.9 percent).

Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury delivered the welcome address, while Dr Aruna Sarker presented the study findings.